However, Prospect negotiator Angela Moffatt said the island could face industrial unrest. Moffatt, who is also IoM trade union council president, warned that: “People want to see leadership by example. If we are to have a fundamental review of terms and conditions (in the public sector) then Tynwald members should start with their own.

“It’s about the perception of fairness. There are far too many politicians with far too generous pensions and pay. There is a perception that the cuts are not affecting those further up the chain.”

Meanwhile, Prospect members on IoM along with council employees have voted in favour of a new unified pension scheme that brings together 15 separate schemes into a single final salary scheme in an attempt not only to simplify arrangements but to make the new scheme more affordable.

Moffatt said if members had rejected the proposals they would have been balloted for industrial action. “We accept the new unified scheme, but people are deeply unhappy with it.”

Faced with higher contributions, Moffatt feared that staff would choose to opt out of the scheme altogether.