Work permit applications down by a quarter

Figures reveal falling numbers

Work permit applications are dipping year-on-year, and have done for the last three years.

Onchan member Julie Edge this week asked Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly how many applications had been received, approved, and declined in that period.

In 2014, around 4,500 applications were received - 1.6% of them were declined.

That figure fell by 700 in 2015, with 2.2% declined.

Last year just 3,300 were received, comprising a total drop of more than 26%.

It comes weeks after the DED announced it was to relax work permit restrictions for those seeking employment in the hospitality sector.