Island workers 'must be protected'

Reform of work permits well underway

Island workers will always be considered more favourably for local jobs if they are suitably qualified.

That promise from the Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly who says work permit reform is well underway.

New measures have been introduced in a bid to make applying easier for both employers and employees.

These include an online system, introduced in January, which has seen 86 per cent of completed applications processed within 24 hours.

Mr Skelly says it’s vital businesses can find skilled workers quickly.