Cannan: 'Industrial action is clearly in no-one's interests'

Chief Minister writes to BMA and Manx Care

The chief minister has urged Manx Care and the British Medical Association to focus on dialogue and reform rather than strike action amidst an ongoing dispute over pay.

Today (19 November) the BMA begun balloting doctors over possible industrial action.

It's seeking a 12.6 percent uplift for the 23/24 financial year saying doctors are 'deeply frustrated', 'overstretched' and 'underpaid'. 

You can find out more HERE.

Alfred Cannan has written to Manx Care and the BMA highlighting his concerns.

BMA

He’s told the association that he understands current proposals on the table already represent a 19 percent pay increase in pay from 2021 to 2025.

Mr Cannan adds: “Given the well-publicised financial position of Manx Care in relation to its budget a further substantial increase to headline pay is not financially sustainable without securing offsetting savings from elsewhere to meet this.

“I am not against hospital consultants receiving an appropriate reward for their skills and endeavours but it has recently come to public attention that there is a very considerable disparity in the levels of remuneration across the medical professional group.

“It will not surprise you to learn that the scale of the earnings outlined in recent publicly published Tynwald questions, showing 20 hospital consultants earning more than £300k per annum, has caused some consternation amongst Tynwald members and indeed amongst some of your colleagues employed at Manx Care who perceive unfairness in the system.

“It is my understanding that the disparity in earnings is driven by funding that is 'locked' into extra-contractual payments especially in relation to the highest paid doctors (consultants) and their additional programmed activities and other allowances above base level.”

Mr Cannan says he understands there has been ‘patchy adherence’ by members of the BMA to encourage its membership to engage in ‘meaningful job planning’. 

He’s also urged the BMA to consider what lessons can be learned from other jurisdictions including Jersey adding: “Manx Care has assured me that it remains committed to constructive resolution.

“I would urge both sides to engage positively in that respect and perhaps, with a positive intent in mind, I would encourage you to consider carefully the value of strike action in the meantime.”

Manx Care

In his letter to Manx Care Mr Cannan described the pay negotiations as ‘clearly a delicate balance’ adding: “The recent revelation in an answer to a Tynwald about pay disparities within this professional group with annual rewards topping over £300k for the 20 highest paid doctors in Manx Care adds complexity to the situation and the current system of remuneration is clearly not financially sustainable without reform.

“Engaging in meaningful discussions with the British Medical Association is crucial.

“I hope a constructive dialogue can lead to a pay system that serves everyone’s needs and I will be encouraging this dialogue in a letter that I will be sending today to the BMA as industrial action is clearly in no-one’s interests.”