That Was Jersey |
Local history for everyone |
CHANNEL ISLANDS |
When the German Occupying Forces arrived, the whole tourism business ceased immediately, as no one was allowed in or out of the Island. This deprived a lot of people of their regular employment. The various restrictions imposed by the Germans also reduced the supply of jobs available. Fishermen were no longer allowed to fish from their boats, and so lost their means of living. Shopping hours were reduced, meaning fewer hours pay for staff.
At the time of Occupation, Edward le Quesne was the Minister of Labour, and his diary gives information on the difficulties he faced in trying to provide paid employment for Islanders.
The last entry in this list indicates one of the biggest schemes for workers during the Occupation. The road was built and the commemoration stone is a reminder of the dedication of La Route du Nord to those Jersey men and women who lived through the German Occupation of Jersey.
The Germans were always wanting large numbers of men to do work for them, but many of the men refused to work for the enemy. However work for the benefit of the Island was found for as many as possible.
The Department of Labour was responsible for finding work, providing people with pay and helping them keep their families during the Occupation. Looking back, we know how long the Occupation lasted; it is difficult for us to imagine what it was like at the time, not knowing how long the Germans would stay in the Island (weeks? months? years?), or what new orders they would give.
There were various schemes set up for workers, and the following list covers just the first 6 months of Occupation.