Teachers' union welcomes work permit changes

Mon, 11 Feb 2013

The Manx branch of the teachers’ union ATL is welcoming plans to lift work permit requirements for some high school teachers.

Government confirmed on Friday it intends to scrap the work permit process for non-Island workers who apply to teach specific subjects such as maths and science.

Critics of the plan say it will now make it harder for Manx student teachers to have a career on the Island after studying.

However the Department of Economic Development says there is a considerable shortage of specialised secondary school teachers and the proposals are necessary.

Questions have now been raised about whether the current work permit system is fair for both Manx and non-Island workers.