A MINISTER told Tynwald he had no reason to be dissatisfied with the Steam Packet’s efforts to recruit Manx workers.
But Economic Development Minister John Shimmin said he would investigate claims that the ferry operator had not advertised for staff at the island’s job Centre for two years.
The concerns were raised by Leonard Singer (Ramsey) who maintained only 10 per cent of the crew of the Manannan were Manx workers and the rest mainly (other) Europeans.
Mr Singer asked the Minister: ‘Some of the European workers actually have never worked on a ship. Should they not at least try to recruit more numbers on the island?
‘Is he also aware that the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company have not advertised for staff [at the Job Centre] for two years? Does this not seem to be a deliberate policy to exclude Manx workers?’
Mr Shimmin said there was no obligation on the Steam Packet to recruit Isle of Man workers at sea but the company had more than 100 staff on the island, of whom only four hold work permits. At sea, it has 105 workers, 42 being Isle of Man workers. For the summer season, it has recruited six seasonal workers, all of whom are Isle of Man workers.
‘On this basis, I am not aware of any reason to be dissatisfied with the efforts of the Steam Packet Company to encourage the recruitment of Isle of Man workers.’
Mr Shimmin said with the Manannan being only a seasonal operation some Manx workers may be disincentivised to take on a part-time job. The fact that posts had not been advertised at the Job Centre did give him cause for some concern. ‘I will investigate that.’