The Control of Employment Act 1975, which provides the legislative basis for the system of work permits the Island has today, is now more than 35 years old. The current Act derives from earlier work permit legislation which was introduced in the 1950s; this was intended to safeguard employment opportunities for unskilled manual workers at a time when many had to leave the Island to seek work outside the visitor season. Today the Island has a vigorous and diverse economy which requires a workforce with a huge number and range of skills and expertise but our work permit legislation has not kept up with this transformation in the nature of our work. The Department welcomes your contribution to the consultation process.