Chris Thomas says recruitment rules are adding to the pressures facing the sector
The treasury minister has reaffirmed his support for the hospitality industry on the Isle of Man after concerns were raised about a shortage of chefs on the Island.
Andrew Gibbs, chair of the Jaks Group, says a lack of staff to fill those roles has forced the business to stop serving lunchtime meals from Monday to Thursday.
In response, Chris Thomas acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, which he says have been exacerbated by the legal requirement to recruit from within the Common Travel Area before looking further afield.
The Common Travel Area, or CTA, is a long-established agreement between the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands, including Guernsey and Jersey.
It allows British and Irish citizens to travel, live, and work freely across these jurisdictions without needing visas or facing routine passport checks.
Mr Thomas maintains government is doing what it can:
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