Doctors vote in favour of industrial action

Follows dispute over pay and 'state of the Island's health service'

Doctors on the Isle of Man have voted in favour of taking industrial action in a dispute over pay.

The British Medical Association balloted its members last month, citing growing concern among doctors about the state of the island's health service and the continued erosion of their pay. 

In a statement this evening (2 July), the BMA says the ballot had a turnout of 61.9 per cent, with 104 doctors returning an overwhelming (95.19 per cent) yes vote to preparing for industrial action.

It adds, however, that in the closing days of the ballot, Manx Care made an offer that is currently under consideration by members, with the result expected early next week.

On pay, the BMA describes a 'pay erosion' since 2008.

It says: "Inflation on the Isle of Man – using RPI – has risen by 112%, while doctors' pay has increased by just 51%, amounting to a real-terms pay cut of 29%."

Chair of the Isle of Man Medical Society, Dr Prakash Thiagarajan, says: “Doctors have delivered a clear message that the current situation cannot continue. No doctor wants to take industrial action, but years of real terms pay cuts have left colleagues feeling undervalued and increasingly concerned about the future of the profession on the island.

“Throughout this process we have been clear that industrial action is avoidable. The fact that an improved offer has been made demonstrates that doctors' concerns are being heard. The key question now is whether members believe it delivers enough progress towards restoring the value of their pay”.

BMA deputy chair of council Dr Emma Runswick, says: “This result reflects the strength of feeling among doctors on the Isle of Man. Last year, doctors paused industrial action after securing progress towards pay restoration, but it was always clear that further action would be likely if that progress stalled.

“Doctors are standing up for fair pay, recognition of their expertise, and the long-term sustainability of medical staffing on the island. It is now for doctors in the BMA to decide whether Manx Care's offer goes far enough to address years of pay erosion and prevent the need for strike action.”

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