The number of workers and businesses calling the Industrial Relations Service continues to rise.

In 2017, 10,735 inquiries were made to the service, making it the busiest year on record.

Of those, 5,614 were from employers and 4,810 from employees. Trade unions, representatives and advisers accounted for 311 inquiries.

Industrial relations officer Julie Bradley, in her annual report, says: ’In 2016 we dealt with some 9,823 inquiries, which at that time was the highest figure we have ever recorded. However 2017 has shown another increase.

’This figure represents the total number of phone calls, appointments and emails that we dealt with during the year.’

From March to June last year, the office was dealing with more than 1,000 inquiries per month.

’I believe the Isle of Man continued to fare relatively well in many areas but there were and continue to be challenges ahead,’ her report says.

’We saw the closure of some businesses but the positive news is that, on the whole, staff affected have been able to find alternative roles elsewhere relatively quickly and on some occasions, almost immediately.’

The role of the industrial relations service is to provide free and impartial information to individuals and organisations about good practice in the workplace, employment rights and obligations.

’We help employers and employees find solutions when things go wrong,’ she says.

Good employment relations and practices, she says, reap benefits for businesses, employers, employees and the economy.

’We have worked exceptionally hard with limited resources to maintain positive and constructive relationships with our customers whilst dealing with a growing number of enquiries in an increasing complex legal environment,’ she states.

’At the end of what has been the most challenging year I am delighted to have received the level of support and positive feedback we did from our customers.’

Last year saw eight trade disputes registered, but no days were lost to strikes.

The number of employment tribunal claims increased to 80, compared with 71 in 2016.

The actual figure for complaints was 118, because one claim can cover two complaints, for example unfair dismissal and unlawful deductions in pay.

Those two examples were the most common claims - 46 for unfair dismissal and 43 for unlawful deductions.

As more aspects of the Equality Act - which outlaws discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, disability and other categories - come into effect for the workplace, Ms Bradley anticipates that will lead to more work.

’Following the introduction of the Equality Act 2017, we are starting to see an increase in equality queries as employers start to consider what impact this will have on all aspects of their business,’ she states.

’We are looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead, and I am confident that with a full complement of experienced staff the Manx Industrial Relations Service will continue to promote and encourage good industrial relations practices on the Isle of Man.’

Her report will be laid before Tynwald today (Tuesday).