Nurses to vote on what they consider 'fair' pay rise

Nurses in a pay dispute on the Isle of Man are being asked for their thoughts about what a "fair" rise would be by union bosses.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is holding the two-week survey of its members after the rejection of two pay offers put forward by Manx Care.

The result of a ballot last month showed 70% of those who took part had indicated a willingness to take part in strike action over the ongoing dispute.

Manx Care said it saw the survey as a "helpful step" that would "enable constructive dialogue".

Members previously rejected offers of pay awards of 3.5% and 4% for the 2024-25 year, put forward in June and October respectively.

Despite its rejection, Manx Care went on to apply the 4% offer to nurses still employed by the island's health service as talks over future rises continued.

The RCN said its members were now being asked to vote on a range of potential percentage increases on top of that award as to what was considered "a fair and appropriate pay offer".

Nurses were also being asked if they would be willing to reject any pay offer if it was not backdated to those who left employment with Manx Care during the 2024-25 financial year, it said.

The RCN said concerns had been raised by its members over the exclusion of those nurses from the 4% backdated pay rise.

A previous dispute with Manx Care over pay saw nurses stage two walkouts before an agreement was reached in 2023.

Regional director for RCN North West Simon Browes said the union was "keen to find a way forward that is beneficial for all concerned".

However, he said it was "clear that nursing staff have been historically undervalued".

"They not only deserve pay which reflects the skill and responsibilities of their roles, but to ensure that patients are no longer being put at risk due to the staffing crisis on the island," he added.

Manx Care said it remained in "close dialogue" with the union and aimed to continue the discussions in a "collaborative manner".

"We view this initiative by the RCN as a helpful step that will enable constructive dialogue between our organisations," it added.

The survey of RCN members closes on 7 May.

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