Manx Care offered a 4% pay uplift with effect from 1 April 2024 for staff employed at the time an agreement is reached. This was the third offer that has been made for this pay period and previous offers were rejected by staff side. The RCN was left concerned that the offer did not include back-pay for those who had already left Manx Care in the months since the offer should have been implemented and, once again, challenged Manx Care on this matter.  

The RCN North West regional board, TU Committee and Council agreed that a indicative ballot asking members working for Manx Care if they would be willing to take strike action will take place. The ballot will run from midday on Wednesday 26 February 2025 until midday on Wednesday 12 March 2025. It is open to all members employed by Manx Care.

If the outcome is positive, the regional board can proceed to a statutory ballot on industrial action, the RCN Council’s authorisation having already been secured.

Senior Regional Officer for the Isle of Man, David Hopton said: “The RCN is clear that industrial action is always a last resort, but we are also clear that the skill, professionalism and safety critical work of nursing staff has historically been undervalued, and that patients are being put at risk due to the staffing crisis on the Isle of Man. 

“We would urge every member to have their say as they can help shape the future of nursing pay on the Isle of Man.”