Work Permits
Whilst there are no special restrictions on access to the Island (other than those under the Immigration Act which apply equally in the United Kingdom) the ability of newcomers to take up work is governed by the Control of Employment Acts which require anyone who is not an Isle of Man worker to have a permit before starting employment or self-employment in the Island.
Qualification as an Isle of Man worker includes being born on the Island, resident for at least five years, married to an Isle of Man worker, having received full-time education during residence (and having remained on the Island thereafter) or having a Manx-born parent who has spent the first five years of their life on the Island.
Application for work permits is made to the Department of Trade and Industry’s Employment Division. Broadly speaking permits are issued where there are no suitable local workers available for the job concerned and where there is no reason to doubt the good character of the person for whom the application is made. Except in the case of self-employment, permits are issued for specific jobs with specific employers and are normally limited in duration but may be renewed.
For further information click here.
Employment Legislation
The Island’s employment law is based on the English law framework and provides support for employers and employees in the employment relationship.
There is an Employment Tribunal, which, in 2003, determined 15 cases. The Manx Industrial Relations Service achieves a conciliated settlement in the vast majority of cases. The Island has a good history of industrial relations with only one dispute resulting in industrial action in the last decade.
Existing legislation provides for, among other provisions: protection against sex discrimination in employment; a minimum wage; a right to receive a written statement of terms and conditions; and for compensation in cases where a dismissal is found to be unfair. There is currently a cap on all compensation levels of £30,000.
The Island’s Department of Trade and Industry is in the process of modernising and consolidating the Island’s employment law framework. An Employment Bill is being drafted which aims to:-
If you would like any further information on the Island’s employment law please contact the Employment Law Policy Unit, Department of Trade and Industry on +44 (0) 1624 682371/2, email: emplaw@dti.gov.im or consult the website
The Manx Industrial Relations Service can be contacted on +44 (0) 1624 672942 or by email: iro@industrialrelations.gov.im.
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