Manx Care and DHSC: 'Doctors deserve a fair pay rise but we must stay within budget'

Health bosses respond to BMA ballot result

Manx Care and the Department of Health and Social Care say they believe doctors deserve a fair pay rise but they must stay within their budget.

Their comments come after the British Medical Association confirmed its members have voted in support of industrial action over a pay dispute.

121 of the 127 BMA doctors who took part in the ballot, or 95%, said yes to action following calls for a 12.6% pay rise for Manx medics.

In response, the DHSC and Manx Care says: "We recognise the invaluable contribution of our doctors, and believe they deserve a fair pay rise. However, we must manage our finances and stay within our budget.

"For the next year Government has been clear that there will be no additional funding beyond what has already been allocated. Spending more than what has been allocated for pay rises would mean reallocating funding from other services, potentially leading to cuts or service reductions.

"Manx Care has negotiated within their budget and offered several solutions.

"We are pleased that Manx Care and the BMA continue to move forward with their negotiations, and are committed to further discussions early in the New Year.

"We respect the right of our workforce to take action, and the DHSC will work closely with Manx Care to support them to reduce harm and the impact to the public should the strikes go ahead."