A strategy to support the growth of the Island’s economically active population will be presented to Tynwald this month.
The Locate Isle of Man Strategy 2018 – 2021 brings together a range of existing initiatives from across government and seeks to develop policy and promotional activity that will help to address the Island’s skills gap.
It’s hoped this will ensure that the Island remains an attractive destination for people to live and work and where businesses are able to recruit the skilled workers they require.
The strategy identifies six key themes and 44 actions to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs and inward investment as well as encouraging Manx diaspora to return home.
The publication of the strategy now places significant emphasis on the attraction of skilled workers and graduates to ultimately support the natural increase in the overall economically active population.
Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly says:
"Addressing the skills gap by growing the economically active population is a clear policy statement in the Programme for Government and regularly emerges as the single biggest topic of discussion, whether with industry or through the Department for Enterprise’s Executive Agencies.
"In response to this feedback the Department has outlined a clear direction for supporting the natural growth in the economically active population of the Island.
"Our diverse, healthy economy has created an exciting opportunity for us to share with the world the benefits of living, working and doing business in the Isle of Man.
"Increasing the economically active population directly and positively impacts our Island by enabling our businesses to grow and creating wealth in the economy.
"Attracting, retaining and enabling new skills and talents within our workforce will ensure we have the services and facilities in place to continue our Island’s success.
"We have Manx people living in many countries across the world who are fantastic ambassadors for the Island.
"The delivery of the Locate strategy will also ensure they are made aware of the wealth of prospects available, should they wish to return."
