Latest news with #Manxgovernment
BBC News
4 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Isle of Man parental and bereavement leave reforms announced
New parents will be able to share up to 50 weeks' leave from 1 November, the Manx government has change is included within reforms of employment laws on the residents will also be entitled to take an additional two weeks of leave following the death of a child under 18 or after a Minister Tim Johnston said the changes represented a "significant step forward in supporting families during some of the most important and difficult times that they may face". 'More flexible approach' Under the new system, bereavement leave can either be taken in one block or split into two separate weeks. It will have to be taken within a year of the child's government also said one week of leave would be available to prospective parents after a the case of shared parental leave, the 50 weeks must be taken before their child's first provisions are also being made for people adopting a said the "much-needed rights" would provide "a more flexible approach" for new families, and additional support at a "challenging time" for those who suffer a bereavement. 'Critical periods' The amended leave provisions will be accompanied by new allowances, which are due to be brought before Tynwald later this Minister Alex Allinson said the payments would ensure parents were "financially supported during these critical periods"."We recognise the importance of providing financial support to parents who need to take time off work to care for their new child in a flexible way that suits them," he changes in the Employment (Amendment) Act 2024 already implemented included strengthening the rights of families and to update laws covering neonatal care leave and carer's leave continues. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
IOM government seeks more migrants to help plug critical job gaps
The Manx government's plan to increase the island's working population through inward migration has been outlined to Tynwald by the Council of Ministers. It follows a July 2024 report examining the island's migration incentives and disincentives. The study's conclusions were received by Tynwald in this month's sitting of the Manx parliament, Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford said measures were being taken to improve the immigration system, to revise visa routes, and to develop immigration incentives and said Manx workers would "come first", adding that the government would "seek to attract workers from off-island only where gaps cannot be filled locally". In a debate lasting more than two hours, Ashford updated members on the Council of Ministers' report. He said "inward migration and local workforce development" was "at the heart of the government's broader economic strategy" to create and fill 5,000 additional jobs by the island's unemployment level standing at 0.7% as of May, Ashford said "vacancies continue to exceed the number of jobseekers".He said this was especially the case in "critical sectors like health and social care". The Isle of Man is also facing "natural population decline", the minister 2024 there were 907 deaths recorded on the island, compared with only 485 births. 'Zero tolerance' The report outlined that between the 2021 census and the first quarter of 2024, the island's population increased by 1, average age of people moving to the Isle of Man during that time was laid out a "set of policy principles", which included the need to invest in "upskilling Manx workers" and maintaining island security through "the integrity" of the Common Travel Area. Changes were being phased in over the next 36 months, he said, with a number "already under way"Plans to introduce an immigration health surcharge have been approved in Minister Alex Allinson said the rules would be consistent with the UK and put Isle of Man visa applicants on a "level playing field" with said the "bulk of this money should go to the NHS" since it was "right" for it to be "invested in the healthcare of this island".Additionally, there will be an increase in the minimum salary thresholds for visa holders, and improvements to the visa processing system. Ashford also outlined plans to attract more young people to the island and to encourage the return of Manx youngsters. He said they were "taking proactive steps to attract talent" by reviewing existing incentives and considering the "potential use of student loans".They were also "developing a 'welcome home' package" to encourage Manx workers overseas to "return and contribute to the local economy", he added.A pilot of this scheme is due to begin in April 2026. 'Vulnerable' Several MHKs, including Ramsey's Lawrie Hooper, raised concerns that the island could be treated as a "side door into the UK".By having a lower salary threshold than the UK, he said it "leaves us open to be targeted by criminals" looking to access the UK via the island. While acknowledging most people were "good", Hooper warned the report did not sufficiently consider the risks posed by those who would seek to exploit the different immigration view was echoed by other MHKs, including Jason Arbory, Castletown and Malew representative described the changes as leaving the island "vulnerable". Concerns were also raised about modern slavery, where people are paid less than the minimum wage. In response, Ashford said it was "an absolute scourge on our planet".He stressed the Isle of Man had a "zero tolerance approach" to anyone seeking to move to the island and exploit people. Summarising the government's strategy, Ashford said: "Over the next three years, these changes will tighten immigration controls and strengthen the resilience of our immigration system." Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Exhibition celebrates 125 years of Gaiety Theatre in Douglas
A new exhibition celebrating the 125th anniversary of seaside theatre on the Isle of Man has been unveiled at the Manx mark key moments in the history of the Gaiety Theatre, highlighting its early days, restoration work and some well-known faces that performed on its display also features objects connected to the performance space such as a drum that belonged to comedian Ken Manager at VillaGaiety Séamus Shea said it was a "perfect opportunity to honour the legacy of this iconic venue and reflect on its ongoing story". Situated on Harris Promenade in Douglas it was designed by renowned English architect Frank Matcham and celebrated its opening night on 16 July first production it hosted was a performance of The Telephone Girl, starring musical comedy actress Ada demand to visit cinemas was high a projection suite was installed in 1932, which went on to became the theatre's principal form of entertainment during World War building, which had become dilapidated, was bought by the Manx government in 1971 and some restoration works began later that decade, with further extensive repair works taking place during the 1990s. Manx National Heritage (MNH) said architect Frank Matcham had transformed "a non-descript music hall on Douglas Promenade" into "something truly special".The venue had survived "changes in taste and fashion, and narrowly avoided demolition on at least one occasion" but now "stands as the finest example of its kind in the British Isles", it organisation the "magnificent building" MNH curator Matthew Richardson said the the hardest part of the project had been distilling the broad history of the building into exhibition."I have always loved the atmosphere of the Gaiety and have long thought how lucky we are on the Island to have such a magnificent building,"Mr Shea said the "captivating display" highlighted the theatre's "rich past, from its vibrant performances and renowned artists over the years to its transformation into a cinema and eventual restoration". Gaiety 125 can been seen in the Cabinet of Curiosity until 18 May and it will return to the space after a short break in the summer.
