Lump sum offered to bus drivers

The Manx Government are encouraging bus drivers on the Island to accept new terms and conditions.

The Department of Infrastructure says employees wishing to leave their old terms, will be offered a £25,000 lump sum.

Currently, staff on old terms and conditions earn significantly more than those who are on the new T&Cs.

A statement released by the Government said: "Last year Tynwald voted to reduce the overall subsidy for public transport by £1 million over three years.

"As bus driving staff on old terms and conditions earn significantly more than their colleagues on the new terms and conditions, the Department can make a contribution towards the overall saving by encouraging those on old terms either to leave its employment or to move to the new terms.

"The size of the saving that can be made means that the Department can afford to offer a lump sum of £25,000 to each driver leaving an old terms role. The scheme is entirely voluntary.

"The Department hopes that it can achieve the net savings required to meet the new budget targets by working with its staff to ensure that the Island has an effective and affordable public transport system."