DHSC: 'We respect the right of the workforce to take action'

Discussions are ongoing between Manx Care and the BMA

The Department of Health and Social Care says it 'respects the right of the workforce to take action' after Island doctors announced they are to strike.

For the first time in history doctors on the Isle of Man will walk out from 7am on Wednesday, 22 January until 7am on Friday, 24 January.

It's as the British Medical Association says the health body has failed to produce a ‘credible pay offer’.

It had asked for a 12.6 percent uplift. 

You can find out more HERE.

Manx Care is expecting to receive a counter proposal from the BMA today (15 January).

In a statement, a spokesperson for the DHSC said: "The Department of Health and Social Care understands that both Manx Care and the BMA are currently working hard jointly to arrive at a settlement that is both fair on pay and affordable within the budget and that the basis of an improved offer is actively being discussed. 

"In the meantime, we respect the right of the workforce to take action, and we are working closely with Manx Care to support them in reducing the impact of any action on patients and the public.

"In the coming days more information will be made available to patients and the public by Manx Care, once the precise details of the action have become clearer and mitigation plans have been put in place."

Manx Radio has invited the DHSC Minister Claire Christian for interview.