Teachers work, while UK colleagues strike

Schools in the Isle of Man are open as normal today (Wednesday).

Up to 90 per cent of schools in England are closed as teachers and headteachers take to picket lines.

However, it's been confirmed teachers here are not taking any action.

A statement from the Join Teaching Unions on the Island says decisions about teachers' pensions are taken by the United Kingdom government.

That means the unions have no dispute with the Manx government, and strike action would be illegal.

However, it goes on to say there are concerns about the impact of possible changes to the teaching profession.

The unions say if changes imposed by the UK government were forced upon the Island, they trust the Island's politicians would make sure increased contributions were protected in a designated fund.