Teachers’ unions say they are ’deeply disappointed’ that the Manx government won’t make extra funds available to settle the pay dispute.

In a joint statement issued today (Tuesday), NAHT, NASUWT, ASCL and the NEU described the government’s position as ’nothing less than shameful’.

The unions say teachers’ pay has fallen by 30% in real terms over the last decade.

At a meeting with Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson and other government representatives today they were told that any pay settlement would have to be met through cuts to educational provision.

This would be in the form of efficiency savings and possible reductions in the teacher workforce.

The joint statement reads: ’The joint trade unions were shocked and frustrated that despite agreeing to the meeting, the government refused to enter into any negotiations other than to discuss cuts.

’The government was clear throughout the meeting that they had nothing to put on the table to the unions.

’The government’s position is nothing less than shameful, and will come as a tremendous disappointment to all teachers who continue to go the extra mile.’

Instructions from the Treasury, apparently received 15 minutes before the meeting, made it clear that no additional funds were available.

The joint trade unions say they remain committed to finding a resolution to the dispute.

They said: ’The government needs to negotiate in good faith and put forward a serious proposal that avoids cuts to the education of children and young people on the Isle of Man.’

The NASUWT announced last week that it will ballot its 478 members from July 21 on strike action and action short of strike in the dispute over pay, pensions and workload.The DESC points out that teachers’ pay in the island is linked to the pay award settlement for teachers determined by the UK Secretary of State.Head teachers in the island currently earn between £55,202 and £104,368, depending on school size.The DESC claims they are between £2,627 and £12,949 better off than their UK counterparts.Currently 58% of DESC teachers are paid on the ‘upper pay spine’ i.e. earning from £37,654 to £40,490 per year.Unqualified teachers earn between £17,681 and £27,964. Qualified teachers on the main scale earn between £24,373 and £35,971.