Figures from the Department of Economic Development show a 40 per cent fall in the number of work permits issued in the Isle of Man in the two years to the end of March 2011.

In a written reply to a House of Keys question, Minister John Shimmin says the reduction is partly due to a widening of the range of exempt employments, in 2009.

But the slowdown in the Island's economy since the global economic crisis, which began in 2008, is also likely to have had an effect.

The number of permits issued under the Island's Control of Employment Act in the financial year 2008 to 2009 was 9,800.

The figure fell by 23 per cent in each of the next two years, and the number of live permits a week ago was just over 5,900.

Mr Shimmin was replying to a question from South Douglas MHK Kate Beecroft.

In reply to another part of her question, he says the idea of permits being issued by sector, which would enable holders to more easily change employers within particular industries, was examined and rejected in 2007.

He says there are no plans to revisit it, but adds that other suggestions have been brought forward, and earlier this year his department carried out a consultation on a proposed new Control of Employment Bill.