DESC 'disappointed' over pay dispute vote

The Department of Education, Sport & Culture says its 'disappointed' over a vote by primary school headteachers in favour of industrial action.

Results yesterday in a ballot by the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) union - which represents Manx primary school principals - revealed 85 per cent of members would go as far as to go on strike over an ongoing pay dispute with the DESC.

The government department adds it's waiting for a response from the NAHT on an offer to refer the issue to an independent arbitration process to help resolve the matter.

Officials also say providing a high standard of education on Island is the core focus and that they will work to minimise any impact the ballot could have on students and staff.