Isle of Man doctors have voted to accept a multi-year pay deal, following a last-minute offer received in the closing days of a ballot that saw doctors vote overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action in the island’s long-running pay dispute.

In a referendum that closed today (Monday, 6 July 2026), 139 of 144 doctors voted to accept the pay offer, formally ending the dispute between the British Medical Association (BMA) and Manx Care, the island’s healthcare provider.

Senior doctors and dentists employed by Manx Care will receive a 6% pay increase in 2025/26, backdated to April 2025 followed by a 4.65% increase in 2026/27 backdated to April 2026.

Meanwhile resident doctors will receive a 7.5% increase in 2025/26, followed by a 6% increase in 2026/27. Which will also be backdated.

Both senior doctors and resident doctors will receive an above inflation pay increase in 2027/28, 1.5 percentage points above the September 2026 CPI rate of inflation.

This dispute was caused by growing discontent with the state of the island’s health service and erosion of doctors' pay, which has fallen by 29% (CPI) in real-terms since 2008.

Earlier this year, the BMA warned Manx Care of the deep frustration felt by doctors following the results of an annual ‘Culture of Care Barometer’ survey of the profession on the island. This survey revealed doctors believe there is little sign of strong senior leadership at Manx Care, while less than a quarter of doctors at Manx Care say they’d recommend it as a place to work.

Chair of the Isle of Man Medical Society Dr Prakash Thiagarajan said:

“I’m pleased that we managed to win this improved pay offer for doctors on the island without needing to strike. While it’s disappointing that we had to escalate to the threat of action, I hope that this can put us back on the right path to ending the real-terms pay cuts that have left colleagues questioning their careers on the Isle of Man.

“I’m looking forward to continuing productive talks with Manx Care for 2026 and beyond and I want to extend my thanks to the BMA negotiating team who helped make this possible and to the Manx Industrial Relations Service for their support in negotiations.”

BMA deputy chair of council Dr Emma Runswick, said:

“This result is what happens when a trade union organises together, negotiates together and stands in solidarity together.

“Delivering care to our communities is what we want to do and that work shouldn’t be undervalued or taken for granted by short-sighted financial decisions. Doctors on the Isle of Man should be incredibly proud of this pay offer. Well done to the negotiating team for bringing this dispute to an end.”

Ends.

Notes to editors

Do you accept the latest Manx Care offer of 7.5%, 6% and CPI+1.5% for Resident Doctors and 6%, 4.65% and CPI+1.5% for Consultants, SAS doctors & Dentists for the three years- 2025/6, 2026/7 & 2027/8, with the caveats as explained in the presentation? 

Yes – 139

No - 5

Isle of Man doctors vote for industrial action in dispute over pay - BMA media centre - BMA

Previous ballot results breakdown:

ARE YOU PREPARED TO TAKE PART IN STRIKE ACTION?

Entitled to vote = 168 
Yes – 99 
No – 5 
Number of votes cast = 104  
No spoiled papers. 

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.