Public Services Commission issues statement following union upset over pay offers

PSC chair declines to be interviewed about issues raised by the trade unions

The Public Services Commission says there 'must be pay restraint' following its series of below-inflation pay offers to government workers.

Unions have described the two percent increase as 'unacceptable', but the PSC believes there are indications that public sector pay is now outstripping the private sector.

Prospect has accused the government of manipulating civil servants while Unite says it's receiving a resounding 'no' from its members.

Manx Radio invited the PSC's Chair Kate Lord-Brennan to be interviewed, in response to the claims made by the unions, but she declined.

Instead she issued a statement saying: "A key priority is a focus on financial responsibility for government departments.

"Pay and staffing budget is often the biggest area of spend and so there cannot be year on year large increases in terms of pay awards at this stage without impact on funds available for services for the public.

"There is now, for various pressing reasons, a balance which must be struck.

"Whilst fair pay and terms should of course be taken into account there is also a wider view to be considered, and now balanced, between the cost of the public sector and the economy.

"Part of that is to consider the impact of increased government spending, which is funded by the taxpayer, and what the economy can afford."

Public and civil servants are being offered a two percent increase for the periods 24/25, 25/26 with a caveat on the 26/27 financial year depending on March 2026's inflationary figure.

Prospect has previously told Manx Radio it was hoping for an increase of around eight percent which it describes as 'restorative' and accounts for inflation.

Manx Radio has amended the sub-headline of this story to aid clarification.