Manx Labour Party calls for Tynwald investigation into Ranson case

Organisation says it's 'deeply concerned' by treatment for Island's former medical director

A political party says it’s ‘deeply concerned’ about the treatment of the Island’s former medical director.

The Manx Labour Party’s comments come after a tribunal ruled Dr Rosalind Ranson should be paid £3.2m in compensation after being unfairly dismissed for whistleblowing.

In a statement, the organisation says the case “raises serious questions about the treatment of civil servants even within higher positions”.

It adds “although we are frustrated the actions of some have led to already stretched public funds being spent compensating for mistakes we are glad that justice appears to have prevailed.”

The party is calling for Tynwald to declare an investigation at the parliament’s next sitting, to “ensure that those who have acted improperly are reprimanded where appropriate and proper protocols are in place to prevent anything similar happening again.”

The Chief Minister will make a statement on the subject when the House of Keys sits on Tuesday.

The Manx Labour Party's full statement says: "We are deeply concerned about the treatment of Dr Ranson concluding with her being unfairly dismissed that has come to light during what has been a lengthy tribunal.

"We believe that this case raises serious questions about the treatment of civil servants even within higher positions and that some of the accounts given suggest a lack of professionalism and accountability by others in management.

"It is unacceptable that any employee goes through such unfair or unjust treatment, especially when working for the betterment of our community and although we are frustrated the actions of some have led to already stretched public funds being spent compensating for mistakes we are glad that justice appears to have prevailed.

"We urge Tynwald to take a closer look at the management of the departments and bodies under their control and ensure that those who have acted improperly are reprimanded where appropriate and proper protocols are in place to prevent anything similar happening again.

"We can't afford this being kicked into the long grass to happen again and are asking for Tynwald to declare an investigation at their next sitting.

"The Manx Labour Party is committed to working towards a fairer and more just society, and we will continue to hold the Government to account on matters of workplace justice and fairness. We stand in solidarity with all workers who have been unfairly treated, and will always fight for their rights and dignity in the workplace."