Trade union Prospect is balloting members in the healthcare sector over a possible strike in the New Year.

The threat has come as a result of pay disputes and low morale among staff.

In a blistering statement, the union has said: ’Clapping in support of our health care workers won’t pay their food bills, it won’t pay for the increase in their heating bills, and it certainly won’t help with purchasing a property.’

Mick Hewer, Prospect’s negotiations officer, has said he is disappointed that he is having to carry out a consultative ballot to formally seek the views of members working across the island’s health services, after Manx Care has ’failed to put forward a meaningful pay offer’.

Prospect and other unions across Manx Care have been in talks with the employer since early April, and have submitted a claim to the employer with supporting documentation.

Mr Hewer said: ’Our members have had enough of meaningless discussions. There has been no movement, only promises to seek more funding from Treasury.

’Our members are telling me it is time for the employer to wake up to the crisis they are facing.

’Staff shortages, low morale and a slow haemorrhage of staff leaving to seek better pay elsewhere is adding to the problem. It is unacceptable.

’Our members and those of our sister unions have worked tirelessly for months during difficult circumstances.

’Their pay does not reflect the skills, dedication and commitment required to carry out their roles and to add insult to injury some of our members are receiving invoices for their registration fees with their Christmas cards.

’Our members are indicating to me verbally that they are willing to take industrial action in furtherance of securing better pay.

’This is a step closer to the island seeing industrial action in their health services.

’Traditionally health care professionals have not taken industrial action, but their backs are now against the wall.

’We cannot continue to accept pay awards that, after the effects of inflation, are meaningless and result in take home pay in real terms being eroded by inflation.’

He added: ’Whilst the Manx Care board [were] tucking into their Christmas dinner this year, perhaps they [needed] to reflect on their colleagues who continue to provide care for those who are ill at this time of year, those that continue to work on the frontline tackling the effects of the pandemic, and those who have sacrificed their Christmas for the benefit of others.

heating

’Clapping in support of our health care workers won’t pay their food bills, it won’t pay for the increase in their heating bills, and it certainly won’t help with purchasing a property.

’Manx Care needs to act now. They need to come up with something substantial immediately or it is likely that our members will move to take industrial action next year.’

A Manx Care spokesman said: ’Manx Care has inherited a number of staff-related issues across the multiple divisions of its fledgling organisation.

’Teresa Cope, chief executive of Manx Care, supported by the board, is working hard to implement a range of supportive strategies including the appointment of permanent staff to alleviate pressures on colleagues.

’As is the case across the NHS, pay and conditions continue to be a major issue which the executive team at Manx Care continues to strive to resolve.’

They added: ’Manx Care acknowledges the impact staffing shortages plus pay conditions are having, so it is working to improve this position across the organisation.

’These issues are a priority for the organisation. It is fully aware from regular feedback sessions with staff about morale and the pressures that the service are currently under.’