Teachers' union welcome permit changes

The Manx branch of the teachers’ union ATL has welcomed plans to lift work permit requirements for some high school teacher applicants.

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

Critics of the plan say this will now make it even harder for Manx student teachers to have a career back home after studying.

However, Minister John Shimmin said there was a considerable shortage of specialised secondary school teachers and the choice was necessary.

The decision has now raised questions of whether the current work permit system is fair for both Manx and non-Island workers.