A talk about the Isle of Man’s population will take place next week.

Paul Craine, who compiled the ’Isle of Man Population Atlas’ in 2016, will address the meeting, which has been organised by the Positive Action Group.

The 2016 census showed that the island had experienced a decline in population for the first time in 30 years.

Until 2016 a steady rise in the working population of 500 a year was considered achievable - but the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce calculated that figure should be 1,000.

Mr Craine’s atlas highlighted:

A shift from population growth to decline

The emigration of young adults

A sharp reversal in the number of births

A reduced working population

A population that is ageing

Two years later these issues are referred to in a government ’white paper’ discussion document.

The government wants to grow the working population to expand the economy and bring in more tax revenue.

Mr Craine said: ’I believe that the Isle of Man’s population vulnerability can be reduced.

’I am delighted to have been invited to lead the April PAG meeting with an exploration of the island’s population challenges and the proposals offered in the recent government paper.

’I will add my own analysis of where we are and what we need to do.’

The talk takes place at the Manx Legion Club, Market Hill, Douglas, at 7.30pm on Monday, April 30.

Admission is free and open to all.