Changes to work permits would be 'treachery' and 'betrayal' say Mec Vannin

Manx nationalists have branded a debate about the future of work permits "treachery" and a "betrayal".

In the latest issue of its newsletter, nationalist party Mec Vannin has hit out at suggestions the Island's work permit system needs easing.

In November, the Island's Chamber of Commerce said most of its members think the system holds back business, and called for a rethink.

However, Mec Vannin says the changes would exclude Manx people from anything but menial and low paid work.

Over three pages in the newsletter Yn Pabyr Seyr, the party claims it's already "incredibly easy" to get a permit and brands those who support relaxing the rules "anti-Manx".

It's calling for work-permits to be capped at a percentage of the working population, and for the system to apply to all industries equally.

It also wants all applications to be made public and for the government to employ more civil servants to carry out more checks.

However, it saves its strongest language for Tynwald, which the party says is betraying the Island with talk of allowing more workers to settle here.