Teaching unions say staffing crisis looms

Warning about maintaining standards

Schools on the Isle of Man are edging closer to a staffing and recruitment crisis -that's according to the NASUWT teaching union.

Damien McNulty, the union's north-west executive, says the Department of Education and Children's budget is being cut in 'real terms', which could have severe implications.

He claims a lack of salary increases in the profession on Island means there's a big disparity with some areas of the UK, making it difficult to recruit and retain teachers.

Education Minister Graham Cregeen admits his department can't always compete on the same financial level but teachers' pay is linked to the UK and the Island's quality of life is higher and a housing allowance is provided.

Mr McNulty says the high standard of Manx education is at a tipping point: