’Broader reform’ of the work permit system is on the way, following on from temporary exemptions in some sectors of industry.

Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly revealed that, on the heels of the seasonal exemption for the hospitality trade, his department will introduce temporary work permit exemptions for the construction industry.

Further change is on the way, he told Tynwald this week.

’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 (will) 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,’ he said.

’Such a reform must, however, also continue to give the necessary protections to our society that the system is designed to provide.’

Full details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Mr Skelly was responding to a question tabled by Bill Shimmins (Middle), a Treasury department member and chairman of the Securing Added Value and Efficiencies team set up in last month’s Budget.

Mr Shimmins, whose team has a remit to look at ’big ticket’ issues, wanted to know what plans the DED had for relaxing the criteria for issuing work permits.

The minister said the Programme for Government was committed to extending work permit exemptions.

’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.’

Mr Skelly said the seasonal exemption for the hospitality sector would boost employment in the summer and ’enable local businesses to provide enhanced levels of service within our vitally important visitor economy’.

He added: ’I am also pleased to announce that a similar system of temporary exemptions to help local construction employers find skilled labour for specific contracts is to be announced shortly.’

David Cretney MLC asked Mr Skelly what he would do ’to make sure that employers are not simply bringing people over at cheaper rates to do work that should be done by Isle of Man workers’.

Mr Skelly pointed out they were temporary exemptions in response to gaps in the labour market, but added they would be monitored and the minimum wage would still apply.