U-turn over plans to suspend work permits

Enterprise minister says he recognises importance of work permits following feedback from politicians

The enterprise minister appears to have U-turned over plans to suspend work permits, citing feedback from politicians as the reason behind the decision.

When the Department for Enterprise initially proposed pausing the system, the minister argued that work permits created an unnecessary perception of barriers, which was hindering the labour market.

However, backbenchers opposed the move, claiming it would remove protections for Manx residents.

Onchan MHK Julie Edge questioned why changes to the system were being considered in the first place: