Two public sector unions have agreed to changes designed to save the Manx taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds.
After ballots undertaken by Prospect and Unite the Union, the Public Services Commission has confirmed that proposals for new terms for new starters and promotions for staff employed on PSC Civil Service and Manual and Craft Workers terms and conditions have been accepted by members.
The chairman of the commission, John Shimmin MHK, said: ‘I am pleased that employees have demonstrated their commitment to working with the Public Services Commission in order to protect the delivery of services to the public.’
These new terms and conditions will apply to posts advertised after April 1. Pay on promotion for existing staff will also change from April 1 as a result of this initiative although other terms and conditions of existing employees will be protected.
The changes proposed are expected to achieve savings of up to £1 million in their first full year of operation, with savings continuing to be made year on year dependent on levels of staff turnover.
Over the past few months, the Public Services Commission has also been in discussion with union representatives with a view to reaching an agreement in respect of a pay settlement for staff employed under both PSC Civil Service and Manual and Craft Worker terms and conditions, for the year 2015-16.
The negotiations were referred for conciliation under the auspices of the Manx Industrial Relations Service, in accordance with the PSC Arbitration Agreement, following which a 2% pay award was agreed for both groups. The new rates of pay will take effect from April 1 2015.