Filipino farm worker's death in Jersey sparks calls for better worker protections

Grace Castrudes seeks justice after her brother George died from carbon monoxide poisoning in his cold cabin on a Jersey farm

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Grace Castrudes' brother George, a 37-year-old Filipino farm worker, died from carbon monoxide poisoning after lighting a fire inside a washing machine drum to keep warm in his cold cabin on a farm in Jersey. An inquest found George made this "impulsive decision" due to the poor conditions of his accommodation, leading the coroner to recommend that Jersey's government audit farm worker housing to ensure it meets safety standards. Grace says she is not satisfied with the inquest and wants more done to prevent similar tragedies for migrant workers.

Why it matters

This case highlights the difficult living conditions and lack of worker protections faced by many migrant farm workers in Jersey, who often send a large portion of their wages back home to support their families. The coroner's recommendations aim to prevent future deaths, but Grace Castrudes and others are calling for stronger policies and enforcement to safeguard the welfare of Jersey's growing population of foreign agricultural laborers.

The details

George Castrudes, a Filipino father of three, died in January 2025 after lighting a fire inside a washing machine drum to stay warm in his cold cabin on a farm in Jersey. An inquest found he made this "impulsive decision" due to the poor conditions of his accommodation. The coroner has recommended that Jersey's government audit farm worker housing to ensure it meets safety standards, but George's sister Grace says she is not satisfied and wants more done to prevent similar tragedies for migrant workers.

  • George Castrudes died on January 19, 2025.
  • The inquest into his death concluded in March 2026.

The players

Grace Castrudes

The sister of George Castrudes, who is seeking more justice and protections for migrant farm workers after her brother's death.

George Castrudes

A 37-year-old Filipino farm worker who died from carbon monoxide poisoning after lighting a fire in his cold cabin on a Jersey farm.

Matt Berry

The coroner (Deputy Viscount Advocate) who presided over the inquest into George Castrudes' death and recommended that Jersey's government audit farm worker housing.

Beatriz Porée

A Deputy who leads the States' work permit holder review panel into the experiences of seasonal workers in Jersey.

Nigel, David and Paul Blake

The directors of La Valette Nurseries, the farm where George Castrudes worked, who expressed condolences over his death.

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What they’re saying

“I will truly say I am not satisfied with the inquest that has happened this week. For me, from the bottom of my heart, I still want justice for my brother.”

— Grace Castrudes, Sister of George Castrudes (BBC)

“I'm remembering the last time I talked to my brother... I didn't recognise then that this is the last time, that I should cherish the last moment.”

— Grace Castrudes, Sister of George Castrudes (BBC)

“They [government] should strictly implement that they will have the proper standards with regards to the accommodation of the foreign workers.”

— Grace Castrudes, Sister of George Castrudes (BBC)

What’s next

The coroner has requested that Jersey's ministers for home affairs and environment, as well as the Jersey Farmers' Union, review the standards and safety of accommodation provided to migrant farm workers on the island.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the precarious living conditions and lack of worker protections faced by many migrant laborers in Jersey's agricultural industry, raising urgent calls for the government to improve oversight and ensure safe, humane housing for all foreign workers.