Checks on work permit applications are being reviewed.
In the House of Keys, Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly was quizzed by Onchan MHK David Quirk over what checks are done on workers when a work permit applicant comes from the European Economic Area but is not an Isle of Man worker.
Mr Skelly said: ‘The department is currently reviewing checks currently required, with a view to making appropriate changes under the new Control of Employment Act, which Tynwald approved last year and which will be brought into operation later this year.’
‘If a person is in custody in the Isle of Man Prison, does that count towards his time served in the Isle of Man to be awarded a permanent work permit in his own right?’ asked Mr Quirk.
Mr Skelly replied that this was a ‘valid point’ and one of the issues that was being reviewed.
The Minister told the Keys that checks may be made on each application in a wide range of areas depending on the circumstances.
These including the length of time the individual has lived in the island, whether the level of pay is significantly lower than the normal rate of pay for the type of work applied for, whether pay complies with the minimum wage, the number and cost of applicants’ dependants, criminal convictions; and any significant gaps in employment history.