Union bosses are urging Ministers to ‘look before you leap’ over scope of government reforms.
In its response to the Scope of Government review, the Prospect union says it’s realistic about the need for change - but that change needs to lead to improvements.
In a brochure entitled Look Before You Leap released to Prospect members and politicians, the union’s negotiations officer Angela Moffatt accepts: ‘Difficult decisions must be made and it would be foolish not to expect possible job cuts, but politicians, chief executives and employers also need to ensure that they are open to all options.’
She suggested that centralisation may be the way forward and questions whether this option has been given as serious a consideration as other alternatives such as the contracting out of services to private sector.
Ms Moffatt adds: ‘We, in Prospect, are urging others to ensure that they have looked at all sides of the argument before leaping into a new direction that we could come to regret.’
Mike Clancy, Prospect’s newly appointed general secretary, was due to visit the island today Thursday (November 14) to promote the union’s response to the Scope of Government review. During his visit, he is due to meet members at their AGM at the Manx Legion Club.
Apart from the the Scope review, he is expected to address a range of other issues including pay, redundancy and employment legislation issues.
Mr Clancy said: ‘Prospect members are facing unprecedented changes across the public and private sectors in the UK and the Isle of Man. Our aim is to ensure change is based on evidence, not short-term political calculation.
‘Our members are known for their expertise and we are making sure their voices are heard. I am here again to talk with representatives and members as I know the Isle of Man has its own culture and challenges, which can only be understood by direct engagement.’
Prospect has a membership of around 1,800 members in the island – mainly in the public sector but also including growing membership sections in the private sector.
In its brochure, the union says it is concerned there is an underlying assumption in the Scope reforms that the private sector is better able to deliver a vast array of public services.
It says the public get incredible value for public services and in many cases bringing in a private firm may not be the best solution. ‘How long before some aspects of that particular service are cut?’ it asks, adding change needs to be based on evidence.