Haulage firm responds to test tender criticism

A local haulage company has spoken out following criticism after it won a government contract to distribute COVID-19 tests.

Manx Independent Carriers was given the four-week trial contract over the Isle of Man Post Office.

The decision has been criticised by the Communication Workers Union, which represents postal staff on the island.

A union spokesman said giving the contract to a private firm was not the best use of taxpayers' money as the Isle of Man Post Office was already publicly-owned.

PO 'disappointment'

The post office said it was "disappointed to learn that an interim arrangement had been made with someone else", as it had been in talks with the government over a potential delivery service for the tests in recent months.

Manx Independent Carriers, established in 1985, said it won the contract through "a competitive tender process". 

"Unrivalled efficiencies"

A spokesman added: "We tender for numerous contracts all the time, some we win and some we lose, that is commercial reality. 

"Our tender is carefully calculated to provide value for money and unrivalled efficiencies".

In addition the company said it employs 130 people, all of whom are " paid more than the minimum wage".

A government spokeswoman said the awarding of contracts took into account a combination of pricing and quality factors and did not favour statutory boards.

A further procurement process for a longer contract will be carried out in due course.