Manx Care 'not even close' to settling pay dispute with BMA

Cope says it's a 'great source of stress'

The chief executive of Manx Care says she doesn't think they're even close to being able to resolve a pay dispute with its doctors in the British Medical Association.

The union is calling for a 12.6% pay rise for the 2023-24 financial year, and could ballot its members for industrial action if a pay award isn't agreed.

The BMA told Manx Radio its members don't want to strike, but there needs to be rates of pay on par with the UK.

But despite the financial year ending 6 months ago, Manx Care's Chief Executive Teresa Cope says it's proving difficult to reach an agreement:

In a further statement, Manx Care says since it was established in April 2021, the organisation has 'taken the lead on pay negotiations with doctors and dentists'.

Manx Care has made the following pay offers during this time:

• 3 percent for the 2021/22 financial year (offer accepted by the BMA)
• 6 percent for the 2022/23 financial year (offer accepted by the BMA) + £1,000
• 6 percent for the 2023/24 financial year (offer rejected by the BMA)
• 4 percent for the 2024/25 financial year (offer rejected by the BMA)

It says these offers and increases are in line with pay increases for their other staff colleagues.

A spokesperson for Manx Care says: "Discussions between Manx Care and staff-side representatives have continued although Manx Care has been unable to improve its offer any further in light of financial constraints, offering the full amount of budget available for annual pay awards.

"Manx Care is aware of and respects the BMA’s position with regard to this offer and remains committed to working with the BMA to resolve the pay dispute.

"We are disappointed that we have not been able to resolve the pay negotiations with doctors and consequently, the Manx Care Board in September 2024 took the decision to make an interim award of 6 percent for the financial year 2023/24 whilst negotiations continue in light of the current economic climate and cost of living pressures on staff.

"This has been communicated to medical staff and will be paid in the near future."

You can listen to Ms Cope's full interview here: