On Air Manx Radio Breakfast Ben Hartley | 6:00am - 9:00am

Claim work permits a 'brake' on sector

Staffing a headache for hospitality firms

Lack of suitable applicants for jobs in the Island's hospitality sector is 'the single largest brake' on business expansion.

That's the view of Nigel Taylor director of Rock Food Concepts, which manages Island restaurants and bars 14 North, Little Fish Cafe, and the Bath and Bottle.

He says there aren't enough quality applicants to meet industry needs, and that current work permit rules hamper the sector's ability to find the right staff.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle has expressed his intention to relax the requirement for permits in certain sectors to address the shortages.

Mr Taylor says hiring from off-Island is a time-consuming and difficult process:

More from Isle of Man Business