The island’s work permit system has been temporarily relaxed as part of the response to Covid-19.

The Department for Enterprise has taken a number of measures to ease the situation for workers and employers at what is a difficult time for many businesses.

Under the announced changes, all work permits have been extended for six months and workers engaged in employment which is exempt from the requirement for a work permit (e.g. ICT, doctors, teachers) may change their job without requiring a work permit.

Employers’ usual duty to provide certain information about exempt employments has also been suspended. These measures apply to anyone who was or is in employment from February 28 until April 16.

Combined they have the effect of allowing anyone who was previously in employment on the island from February 28 onwards to immediately take up any offer of employment and the employer does not have to notify the department nor seek a work permit.

Andrew Stewart, head of policy and strategy, said: ’We know that it is a very challenging environment for both employers and employees at the moment, with some businesses closing and others having to drastically increase their workforce.

’By making these changes we are aiming to remove bureaucracy from this process and enable employers and existing workers to cope more easily with this demanding situation.

’In particular, the department wishes to help those who have lost their job or have been otherwise temporarily displaced, to undertake any other employment.’

The Regulations have been brought forward under the Emergency Powers Act. They are aligned to the removal of residency requirement for the claiming of certain benefits including the new Manx Earnings Replacement Allowance (MERA).