Statement in relation to a motion for Employment of Children (No. 2) Regulations 2018 Reform | June 2025
16 June 2025
NOTE: This statement relates to a motion for Employment of Children (No. 2) Regulations 2018 Reform (scheduled to be put before Tynwald on June 17th).
Chamber statement
The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce supports the motion being brought forward to reform the Employment of Children (No.2) Regulations 2018 and urges Tynwald to support it.
As the Island’s largest business network, we would also like this to be the starting point for a broader review of the regulations to enable greater flexibility for employers and more meaningful work opportunities for young people. This conversation is both timely and necessary in order to ensure that the regulations are suitable for the current and future needs of businesses and young people on the Island.
At present, the existing legal framework for the employment of children is seen by many of our members, and the wider business community, as overly restrictive. This is because it deters employers from offering part-time or seasonal roles due to complexity, compliance risk, or uncertainty around what is and isn’t permitted. As a result, many teenagers miss out on Saturday and summer jobs that were available to previous generations. This type of employment opportunity can not only help businesses to address labour shortages, but it also allows young people to gain experience and develop life skills while supporting personal and professional development. This is especially important in the context of the generation of young people in the relevant age group whose education and social development was affected by Covid lockdowns at a crucial time.
Chamber supports a considered and balanced review of teenage employment regulations that:
- Enables safe, age-appropriate work opportunities for young people
- Offer clear, consistent guidance to employers
- Restores confidence regarding work experience placements
- Rebuilds the bridge between education and employment
- Develops the future skillset for work whilst studying ways to maximise practical experience and skills to enter the world of work confidently
Chamber urges Tynwald to back the motion being put before Tynwald on June 17th because it’s a step in the right direction. However, we also consider this reform as being just one positive development in a much-needed, broader conversation about skills and employment. This conversation needs to address several key issues, including the opportunities and challenges being created by AI and other technologies. Chamber will continue to encourage more dialogue on these and all other relevant issues as part of our ongoing commitment to working with our members, the wider business community, and government to improve overall skills readiness across the Island.