The health minister's been discussing what risk that brings about on the Isle of Man
It's understood the UK government is to agree above-inflation pay rises for public sector workers in the coming days.
Independent pay review bodies have reportedly already recommended an increase of 5-point-5 per cent for staff.
But that move could put the Isle of Man in a 'difficult position', according to the health minister.
Lawrie Hooper told the Public Accounts Committee this week that government budget allocations often do not reflect the actual needs for staff pay, creating additional challenges for Manx Care.
The health body's overspend for the current financial year is estimated to be in the region of £18 million.
Figures released from its May accounts within the organisation's most recent board meeting agenda show any pay awards 'above 4 per cent is a risk to Manx Care with 2 per cent equivalent to £4.1million'.
Mr Hooper took questions from Douglas North MHK David Ashford during the committee sitting:
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