179 work permit exemptions approved in hospitality

Wed, 27 Nov 2019

The Department for Enterprise have approved 179 work permit exemptions in the hospitality sector between March and October 31st.

The number was revealed in yesterday's House of Keys sitting, in which Julie Edge MHK asked DfE Minister Lawrie Hooper MHK: 'How many temporary work permit exemptions in hospitality have been issued broken down by category; how many employers registered for the exemption; and how many such exemptions have been repeat applications for the same person?'

Mr Hooper answered that 24 employers had applied for exemptions and DfE records indicated one employer applied twice during the 2019 season, and one worker was covered by two different exemptions during the same period.

Speaking in the House of Keys, Mr Hooper said: 'I am pleased to report that these measures have been very successful and feedback from employers has been overwhelmingly positive to the revised process and in particular speed of approval. 

'This is demonstrated by a significant increase in confidence in the work permit system in the business confidence survey and the regular statistics on work permit turnaround times – the latest indicating over 86% of applications were approved either the same or next working day.'

Mr Hooper also said that the Department was continually reviewing the work permit system, and it would consider further reforms to ensure that the system remains effective for both employers and individual workers.

 

 

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