Middle MHK, Bill Shimmins, asked Laurence Skelly, the Minister for Economic Development, what plans he has to relax the criteria for issuing work permits?
Mr Skelly thanked the Honourable Member for his question and the opportunity to update the Court on work which is underway in relation to the work permit system.
"Members will no doubt be aware that in the Programme for Government there is a commitment to extend the number of work permit exemptions and review the effectiveness of such a policy.
"There has however been a considerable public debate on liberalisation of the work permit system in recent months. In response to this the Chief Minister and I have committed to retaining work permit controls while ensuring that the system is responsive to the needs of the economy.
"As an example of this responsiveness, the Department has recently announced a seasonal exemption in the Hospitality sector. Delivered quickly and efficiently following representations, this will assist employers who have found it increasingly difficult to recruit locally. Not only will the move boost numbers in employment during the summer season, but it will enable local businesses to provide enhanced levels of service within our vitally important visitor economy.
"I am also pleased to announce to this honourable court that a similar system of temporary exemptions to help local construction employers find skilled labour for specific contracts is to be announced shortly.
"In addition to these temporary exemptions, the Department is now working on a broader reform of the work permit system that will ease the burden on employers, simplify the whole process such that it is frictionless and expedite employers ability to be able to make a swift offer to external candidates when they are unable to find a suitable Isle of Man worker. Such a reform must however also continue to give the necessary protections to our society that the system is designed to provide.
"I hope to be in a position to announce final details of these reforms within the coming weeks.
