Union flags permit exemptions threat

Sector urged to up its employment game

Today's introduction of temporary work permit exemptions for the Island's hospitality industry has been labelled as a "try before you buy immigration package from Europe" by a local union leader.

The move (1 March) has been broadly applauded by employers within the sector, who claim they are unable to find sufficient local workers to fill seasonal positions during the summer.

The exemption regime will apply to the season from 1 March - 31 October and is depeendent on off-Island employees meting a range of criteria.

But Regional Officer for Unite the Union Eric Holmes says the change will weaken other measures put in place to support the Manx economy.

Mr Holmes says rather than relaxing work permit regulations, the sector should up its own game: