Chamber's support for further dialogue on work permits

Government pauses debate on suspension

The Chamber of Commerce says it supports the Department for Enterprise's decision to withdraw a Tynwald motion calling for the temporary suspension of work permits.

It's been a strong advocate for reform of the work permit regime but says it's important government gets it right by making sure any changes are effective, fit for purpose, and don't have any unintended consequences.

President Kristan McDonald says it's become clear from talks with the DfE that there are important political matters which need to be addressed in addition to the concerns of businesses.

The recent quarterly economic survey from the Chamber showed a strong consensus in favour of relaxing the work permit rules in order to help address the labour shortage affecting most sectors of the economy.

Despite this Chamber is supporting DfE's decision to carry out further engagement even though it will inevitably lead to a delay in reforms being proposed and introduced.

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