The recent changes to the Isle of Man’s work permit system agreed at July’s sitting of Tynwald will exempt nurses, midwives and social workers who are not Isle of Man workers from the need to have work permits under Control of Employment legislation from 1 October.
Minister for Economic Development Laurence Skelly MHK said:
‘We recognise the importance of these particular occupations; ensuring we can recruit the staff we need is vital if we are to achieve our aims of providing high quality health and social services and protecting the most vulnerable of our citizens.
‘The Department of Health and Social Care submitted evidence to us of the significant difficulties they were experiencing in recruiting nursing, midwifery and social worker posts. After careful consideration we agreed to exempt these occupations from requiring a work permit.
‘These changes will also benefit organisations in the private and third sectors to attract the skilled health professionals they require to deliver effective care services on the Island.’
Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said:
‘There is intense competition across the world to attract skilled and appropriately qualified health and social care professionals, especially nurses, midwives and social workers. As a result, recruiting adequate numbers of staff is an ongoing challenge for the Department of Health and Social Care. This new exemption is a welcome development as it will help us to attract the health and care professionals we need.’
Chief Executive of Hospice Isle of Man Margaret Simpson added:
‘We work very closely with our colleagues within the Department of Health and Social Care and welcome these changes that will ultimately ensure the continuation of excellent health care within all medical settings on the Isle of Man including Hospice.
‘High calibre, experienced professionals are needed to continue providing excellent quality of health and social care. This recent change will not only pave the way for nurses and social workers to more readily consider taking up posts in the Isle of Man but will also help to ensure that our patients continue to receive the best possible service delivered by appropriately qualified and experienced staff.’
