A union official is criticising the decision to involve police in an industrial relations row.

It follows allegations made by chairman of the employers’ side of the Whitley Council, MHK John Houghton, about an employee counterpart.

Mr Houghton says despite what has happened, it’s business as usual for the employers’ side in its meetings with employees’ officials.

However, regional industrial organiser for Unite, Mick Hewer, claims Mr Houghton could have abused his position.

He told Manx Radio:

"I would challenge the joint secretary for the employers' side to make a statement saying whether the employers support Mr Houghton in his action, whether they were aware of the action he was planning to take and has taken now, and if they do support him, why they support him and if they don't I would expect them to be saying that publicly."