Economist's concern over falling workforce numbers

Former government advisor questions population rebalancing approach

A former government economist has aired his concerns over figures which show the Isle of Man’s working population has fallen.

John Webster has told Manx Radio there’s been a drop of 500 – but the number of people over the age of 65-years-old has risen by 1,400.

He claims the statistics are counterproductive to this administration’s desire to rebalance the Island’s demographic profile by embarking on a drive to grow the population to 100,000.

Mr Webster told Manx Radio he believes current residents are ‘suffering’ as people are being attracted here who don’t need a job:

Population was one of the topics discussed at the Isle of Man Government Conference this week – you can find out more HERE.