Calls for reform as debate over teenage employment regulations gathers pace

Business leaders and politicians say current restrictions are limiting opportunities for young people

The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a motion calling for reform of the Island’s young person employment regulations, describing the current framework as “overly restrictive” and urging Tynwald to support change.

In a statement issued ahead of this week’s sitting, the Chamber said it hoped the proposed changes to the Employment of Children (No.2) Regulations 2018 would act as a springboard for a broader review aimed at enabling greater flexibility for employers and more meaningful work opportunities for young people.

According to the Chamber, many businesses are deterred from offering part-time or seasonal roles to teenagers due to complexity and uncertainty surrounding what is and isn’t permitted. 

This, they argue, results in lost opportunities for both employers and young people - particularly those whose education and development were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic:

Glenfaba and Peel MHK Kate Lord-Brennan, who brought the motion forward, told Tynwald that the current system was “too prescriptive” and risked “doing young people a disservice”.

She highlighted a decline in school-based work experience and expressed concern about rising levels of screen time among teenagers, suggesting that safe employment opportunities could help re-engage young people and equip them with valuable life skills:

MLC Dawn Kinnish echoed these concerns, referencing frustration from employers and drawing attention to what she described as “almost addictive” levels of social media use and gaming among young people:

Education Minister Daphne Caine acknowledged the value of paid work experience and agreed the regulations needed review. 

However, she cautioned against rushing reforms, noting that the current rules are designed to safeguard education and set boundaries around employment.

She confirmed the Department’s intention to introduce revised regulations by the end of 2025, with implementation planned for April 2026 to allow time for employers to prepare.

Tynwald supported the government amendment to delay implementation.

The Chamber of Commerce says it will continue advocating for modernised regulations that support both young people and employers, and called for a wider dialogue on skills development, including the impact of AI and technological change on the future workforce.