THE Department of Infrastructure has hit back at Isle of Man Newspapers after they ran a story about the department with the headline "milking the system".
In the article, published in the Manx Independent on November 12, the newspaper reported parts of a letter sent out to workers by Infrastructure's operations director Jeffrey Robinson.
The newspaper stated that the letter outlined a series of issues, which if changed, would help the division manage its reduced budget. These included poor records of sickness absence, inflexible working hours and the payment of milk money.
According to the newspaper, in relation to the milk money situation, Mr Robinson said: "It's a historical hangover that was probably appropriate in the last century but is an example of a type of term and condition that we really shouldn't have anymore."
The Department of Infrastructure has now come forward and clarified that in no way does it feel that its employees are "milking the system" and has apologised for any offence or embarrassment caused.
Mr Robinson said: "I do regret the concern that this article and letter have inadvertently caused our employees. My intention has only ever been to work together with our employees to see how we can improve. They have vast knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm which are a tremendous asset to the department.
"When I meet the workforce they often tell me about the frustration they feel concerning some of the unfair criticism and ill-informed comments that are often leveled at the department and the work of the Operations Division in particular.
"I have immense respect for our workforce and what they achieve day-in, day-out, in the most difficult of situations. I see, on a daily basis, the high quality work that they deliver for our community and how they keep the Island's infrastructure maintained and working for the benefit of us all. Therefore I was disappointed with the news article and disagree with its inference.
"Workers have again over recent days been doing fantastic work in difficult conditions to try to ensure the Manx people can go about their work with minimal disruption. I admire the tremendous commitment shown by our workforce and will continue to help them as best I can to deliver quality services to the taxpayer."
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK also responded to the newspaper article and said: "We have an excellent team who have long since shaken off the stereotypical descriptions which sadly the recent press article reasserted.
"I do believe we can do things more efficiently and effectively but strongly dispute suggestions that our workforce is inflexible. They have admirably demonstrated in recent weeks their commitment and flexibility to deliver in difficult circumstances and I have the greatest of respect for them."
