Coronavirus has forced a rethink of the government’s legislation programme and left some MHKs concerned if some bills will have time to progress through the branches of Tynwald.

However, Bill Shimmins (Middle) believes that more room will be needed for the island’s economic recovery from Covid-19. It was announced this week that unemployment had reached levels not seen in over 22 years.

Mr Shimmins asked Minister for Policy and Reform Chris Thomas if there was scope in the legislative programme to add new bills.

’Unfortunately, we’re seeing very high levels of unemployment, something we’ve not seen for generations. The feedback from business is that government needs to move quickly and remove blockages to economic recovery,’ said Mr Shimmins.

’Regulation needs to be more responsive.’

Mr Thomas agreed and said that ’red tape and bureaucracy needs to be minimised’.

He added: ’Who could disagree that it is important to support enterprise in general in the island with responsive regulation and legislation with modifications where necessary.’