Isle of Man nurses to consider improved Manx Care pay offer

Nurses have held strike action on the island amid an ongoing row over pay

Manx nurses have been offered an improved pay deal after negotiations with the Isle of Man's health provider.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said Manx Care has increased its offer of a £1,000 lump sum to £1,500 alongside a 6% pay hike for 2022-23.

Members of the union, which had held strikes earlier this year, will now be consulted on the latest proposal.

RCN regional director Estephanie Dunn said there was "no doubt" industrial action had "piled on the pressure".

A union spokeswoman said Manx Care had to withdraw the previous offer as an agreement for all unions had to accept the proposal could not be reached.

Further talks were held and the updated offer was proposed by the employer, she said.

Manx Care has been contacted for comment.

'Sustainable future'

The consultative survey of members will be held between 13 and 27 November, with a result expected soon after, the RCN spokeswoman said.

The union had paused strikes due to be held in October to consider Manx Care's initial offer a 6% rise and a £1,000 lump sum, which has now been increased.

If accepted, the £1,500 sum would go to members across all pay bands.

Members would now decide if the proposal showed the government was investing in its workforce and "the sustainable future of nursing and safe patient care on the Isle of Man", Ms Dunn said.

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]