'Prioritised inspection plan' for farmworker accommodation

Tuesday, 10 March 2026 07:30

The Environment Minister says an inspection plan will ensure minimum housing standards are met, following the tragic death of a farmworker in Jersey.

Deputy Steve Luce has been questioned in the States about the standard of dwellings for agriculture staff.

It's after an inquest found that a 37 year old Filipino farmworker died in January 2025 after trying to heat his accommodation with a makeshift fire pit.

The fire alarm in George Michael Monte De Ramos Castrudes' portacabin was not working.

The Deputy Viscount has written to the authorities requesting action to avoid similar fatalities.

At the first parliamentary sitting since the inquest, Deputy Catherine Curtis wanted to know if 'targeted inspections' are taking place and whether there is a plan to address the issues raised as a 'matter of urgency'.

Deputy Steve Luce said that whilst no 'targeted inspections' are made of agricultural staff accommodation, they are inspected just as all rented accommodation is when applications for licensing or complaints are made.

He told the Assembly:

"My officers have undertaken inspections of some agricultural staff accommodation as part of their routine work.

"Until the tragic event that occurred recently, my officers had no reason to target this industry as a whole, therefore I don't have in front of me any urgent need to target this type of accommodation.

He could not provide the number of agricultural inspections undertaken, as the dwelling-type is not listed on the inspection documents.

He continued:

"I will work collaboratively with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, and the Jersey Farmers' Union to establish a prioritised inspection plan, over the summer, that ensures that minimum housing standards are met."

The Minister couldn't answer whether anyone had been prosecuted under a law that says landlords and employers are responsible for 'fit for purpose' accommodation, but said he would find the numbers.