DESC 'within rights to withhold teachers pay' over industrial action

Deductions won't be implemented yet, says chief executive

The Island's education bosses say they'd be within their rights to deduct a proportion of pay from teachers involved in industrial action as part of their ongoing pay dispute.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture claims the action short of striking likely constitutes a breach of contract, meaning it could withhold some pay from those taking part.

In a letter to union representatives shared with Manx Radio, department chief executive Ronald Barr says this won't be implemented at the moment, but it reserves the right to review the issue.

Manx Radio has contacted the Department for a response.