Industrial action by school leaders called off

Some 69% of NAHT members who took part in the ballot had voted to take industrial action

Planned industrial action by school leaders due to start next week on the Isle of Man has been called off.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) had accused the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (Desc) of the "misuse of disciplinary procedures" in a collective dispute in May.

But the union has confirmed a settlement has been reached with the department.

In a joint statement, they said the agreement "secures progress across a number of key areas" and created a "framework for continued dialogue on wider issues of importance".

A ballot of NAHT members saw 69% of those who took part vote in favour of industrial action, which would have included "refusing to engage with the department other than around safeguarding issues".

The statement said the settlement had been reached with the help of the Manx Industrial Relations Service.

NAHT assistant general secretary Rob Kelsall previously said the planned action was about "standing up for the safety, dignity, and fair treatment of members in the face of disgraceful treatment by the education department".

At the time the dispute was raised, the Desc had said it "completely refutes" the claims made by the union.