There are calls for the Department of Health and Social Security to deal directly with children in care rather than contract services out to private firms.

Transport and General Workers Union Regional Organiser Bernard Moffatt says he’s concerned about Manx Family Services staff after the company’s DHSS contract was withdrawn.

Mr Moffatt (pictured) says he wants all MFS staff to be given assurances about their employment in the wake of the announcement.

And he says given the troubled history of the government’s childcare contractors, services should now be provided directly by the DHSS: