11 professions added to Critical Skill list for international work permits

Shortages of mechanics, therapists and construction workers should soon begin to ease.

The professions have now been added to the employment permit system, which allows employers to hire in staff from outside the EU.

In all 11 new roles have been added to the Critical Skills Occupations List, the largest-ever expansion of the system.

CEO of the Employment Recruitment Federation Geraldine King says the changes will also see higher wages for those with work permits.