Prison workers in the Isle of Man are poised to take action over a number of concerns regarding the move to the new facility in Jurby.

Officers of the two unions representing the workers say issues include rostering arrangements, proposals for night duty and compensation for the increased cost and time for travelling to the new site.

Beth Espey reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

It is the travel issue which is the most contentious, with the unions saying the current offer of 40 pence a mile over a three year period falls below the level afforded to previous groups for relocation, and most controversially the top rate of 52 pence which is paid to political members for travel.

Prospect and the Prison Officers' Association are currently balloting members over the three issues, and that process will end on May 11.

Prospect Negotiations Officer Angela Moffatt says much emphasis has been placed on the appalling conditions prisoners have had to endure at the Victoria Road site, but workers have had to cope with those for a much more prolonged period.

(Picture: Angela Moffatt).