Staffing concerns reach 'critical' point

Staff shortages in retail and hospitality reach a 'critical' point ahead of the festive season.

That's one of the concerns raised at a recent meeting of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce this week.

The Chamber's Local Economy Forum hosted a meeting to help "build resilience" within the sector.

One of it's members, Nigel Taylor from Rock Food Concepts said the last 20 months have been "very difficult" for the industry and recruitment is now a "critical issue".

His comments come as the island gears up for the festive season- one of the busiest times of the year for the sector.

The latest job market figures on the island show around a thousand job vacancies with 350 roles in retail, catering and entertainment.

Enterprise Minister Alex Allinson said many firms are struggling to recruit and may not have enough workers to remain open at all times.

He added that the government was working with the Chamber of Commerce to identify skill gaps and offer training.