The National Education Union (NEU), which represents more than 60% of teachers on the Isle of Man, has reached an agreement in principle with the Manx Government in discussions over teachers’ pay.
A deal was struck after representatives from the Department of Education, Sport and Culture and the NEU held ‘engaging and positive talks’ with the Manx Industrial Relations Service (MIRS) on Wednesday.
The agreement will see all Isle of Man teachers move to the London Fringe Area pay range, retaining the link to the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD). This would be implemented on 1 September 2020.
Under the agreement the two lowest teaching pay scales will also be removed, meaning new teachers will move from a starting salary of £24,373 to approximately £30,000.
Jess Egelnick and Tina Gleghorn, Joint Branch and District Secretaries of the NEU, who represent nearly 600 of the contracted 800 teachers on the Island, said:
‘This agreement is a historic achievement for teachers on the island. We appreciate the willingness of the Department to engage in meaningful and productive discussions, and we thank our members for their support and patience during this process.’
Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education Sport and Culture said:
‘The negotiations were very positive and the Department welcomes their open approach. We very much hope that this agreement will help support our valued existing teachers; and that starting teachers two points higher on the pay scale will help attract more teachers to the Isle of Man.’
The NEU will now consult with their members on the proposed deal.
