Prospect calls for immediate payment of 4% pay rise for public sector workers

The union has accepted the pay offer but wants an immediate release of funds into bank accounts

The trade union Prospect is calling for the immediate payment of a four percent pay rise to all public sector employees, backdated to 1 April 2024.

This follows the results of a recent ballot in which members voted on the pay offer made by the Public Services Commission (PSC) for the period covering 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026.

The PSC’s revised pay offer includes a four percent increase for the 2024/25 period, a 2.5 percent increase for 2025/26, and an additional one-off £200 payment, pro-rata to hours worked.

Annual leave entitlements are also set to be harmonised from 1 April 2025.

Prospect accepted the offer, but Negotiations Officer Mick Hewer argues that the four percent pay rise should be paid immediately, along with any associated arrears.

Mr Hewer cited concerns from union members who feel ‘let down’ by the lack of progress in negotiations, particularly those who have already retired or left their positions for reasons such as illness.

These individuals are excluded from receiving any back-pay, which has become a point of contention.

He further pointed out that similar payments were made without prejudice in the past, such as when Manx Care implemented the 2023/24 pay offer.

In a quote, he added: "There is no justification for withholding payment, doing so simply punishes and causes detriment to those very workers who, a matter of weeks ago were being praised for the work undertaken in dangerous conditions as a result of storm Eowyn, and also by every other member of staff employed by the PSC who, every day, work diligently to ensure the Islands Public Services are maintained."

The PSC has yet to respond to calls for the immediate payment of the four percent increase.