The Chief Minister has written to the local British Medical Association representatives and the chair of Manx Care, calling for dialogue and reform rather than strike action amidst ongoing pay negotiations.
Alf Cannan has also urged the chair of Manx Care to continue to “make savings in those areas which have the least impact on frontline services”.
This appeal comes in light of the association’s previous request for the Chief Ministers’ intervention, highlighting the critical need for collaboration in addressing the financial challenges facing our healthcare system.
In the letter to the BMA, Mr Cannan said: “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.”
Offer
The current offer stands at 6% for 2023/24 and 4% for 2024/25, in with the offers made to nurses and other health and care professionals. Taken with the rises from previous years, if accepted this would represent a 19% increase in pay from 2021/22 to 2024/25, broadly in line with inflation.
Manx Care were urged to continue dialogue with the BMA, and to consider reform.
Mr Cannan said: “The recent revelation in an answer to a Tynwald about pay disparities within this professional group with annual rewards topping over £400k 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 (BMA) 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.”
The Chief Minister also emphasised the importance of BMA members engaging in meaningful job planning, urging members to adhere to their contractual obligations.
2 Comments