Manx contracts will remain unchanged

The government has insisted junior doctors working on the Island won't see any changes to their employment contracts.

The reassurance comes as English junior doctors begin their fourth round of strike action over increased working hours and pay reductions.

5,000 planned NHS operations have been cancelled nationwide as a result of the 48-hour walkout, which began this morning (Wed 6th).

But the Department of Health and Social Care says it believes 'the current arrangements in the Isle of Man are fair' - and junior doctors' contracts won't be affected here.

The Manx branch of the British Medical Association, which is co-ordinating industrial action in the UK, has welcomed the announcement.