Work permit exemptions designed to boost industry would not be allowed to have an adverse impact on local workers.

That’s the pledge from Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly, who was questioned over temporary exemptions proposed to boost the construction industry.

Under the Control of Employment Act, the department has powers to grant temporary exemptions to work permit requirements where there are ’good grounds’.

The DED is considering introducing a process where local contractors could request exemptions ’specific construction projects’.

The minister told the House of Keys: ’We will utilise the new process with broad support from employers - nor will we take any actions which will adversely affect the interest of local workers.

’The department is acting in response to feedback from the industry indicating there is a lack of skilled workers which is having a significant impact on the industry’s ability to undertake large or multiple construction projects.

’The number of jobs advertised in the Job Centre for skilled construction workers has doubled since 2015, while over the same period registered unemployed has halved.’

Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew) queried why a change was needed when there was a capacity for up to 48 days’ exemption on work permit requirements in some sectors. Mr Skelly said that exemption did not ’ordinarily’ apply to the construction industry.

Julie Edge (LibVannin, Onchan) wanted to know whether the present rules were being obeyed.

’We have had a number of companies on the island recently, most noticeably people have noticed them at McDonald’s working and the Isle of Man Bank,’ she said.

’Clearly they have been given work permits to work - it is a UK company called Morris & Spottiswood for the Isle of Man Bank. I am concerned that these companies are coming over, and yes, they do use some of our local contractors here, but clearly, they have been given work permits, I would say beyond 48 days, particularly for the Isle of Man Bank scheme.

’I am also aware that perhaps some of the people that were working on the premises were not paying their taxation under the double-taxation legislation.’

Mr Skelly said the department would be happy to investigate any concerns.

’We do obviously have a process in place for the granting of work permits, and if those have not been granted appropriately we will take action,’ said the minister.

RBS International appointed Morris & Spottiswood to oversee revamps of the Isle of Man Bank branches in Athol Street and Regent Street, Douglas, and to relocate the NatWest branch from Victoria Street to Athol Street.

The bank says it used local contractors where possible and all sub-contractors were appointed locally - except the architect and structural engineer and some of the mechanical and electrical team.

All work permits were granted after ’extensive’ talks.

Alan Weir, head of retail branches for RBSI, said: ’We’re proud to support our local community and are grateful that so many local workers helped to make these transformations such a success.’

A spokesman for McDonald’s told the Examiner a mixture of local and external contractors were employed to refurbish its Peel Road premises last autumn.

About 40 external contractors were involved.

’The necessary permits were applied for ahead of time,’ said the spokesman.