News

Two senior figures who between them have amassed more than half a century at the Steam Packet are to retire later this year. Chief Executive Officer Mark Woodward and Commercial Director John Watt will both leave in July. Between them, the two men have chalked up 58 years with the […]

The Times is reporting the British government is considering using the Isle of Man as an asylum centre in an effort to deter people from making dangerous journeys to Britain. This front page of The Times this morning The story, which appears on the newspaper’s front page this morning, says […]

House Prices Policy and Reform Minister Ray Harmer has told Tynwald the provisional figures for 2020 house prices shows inflation of 6.5%. The figures, released after a request from Speaker Juan Watterson. The highest quarterly inflation was in Q1 in 2020 at 7.1% and this had dropped to 4.2% by […]

People are being warned that fly-tipping will not be tolerated after a number of cases were reported on the island in recent weeks. Police and local authorities have taken to social media to share images of illegally discarded rubbish at local beauty spots including furniture, household waste and glass bottles. […]

Proposed changes to building control fees and charges have been delayed for a second time due to coronavirus restrictions and pressure facing the construction industry. The Building Control (Fees) Regulations 2021 were due to be considered by Tynwald on Tuesday and could have seen fees increased by 4% from 1 […]

Committee to Question Prom Works The Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee will be hearing evidence from DoI Minister Tim Baker and CEO Nick Black this week. The first part of the hearing will focus on the Douglas Promenade Scheme, and the second part will address matters relating to the […]

A spokesman for Thorntons has confirmed the closure of its Douglas store. The chocolatier is to shut all of its 61 stores across the UK, putting 603 jobs at risk as it plans to move its operations online and focus on selling its products through supermarkets and other stores.. Speaking […]

Unemployment fell in February, down to 822, however these figures are from before the most recent lockdown began. The number of registered unemployed increased by 433 compared with February 2020, but the unemployment rate for February 2021 has fallen to 1.9% compared with 2.4% in the previous month January 2021.  […]

Graham Kinrade has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Department of Education, Sport and Culture on a permanent basis. In the position he will be responsible for more than 2,300 staff and a budget of £115 million. Mr Kinrade joined the department as a teacher in 1987 […]

MANXIES! Have we got a treat for you! In our third lockdown, we’re bringing you a truly excellent prize, perfect for lockdown and beyond. We’ve teamed up with our friends at Manx Telecom to give away a 32GB iPad, in a gorgeous space black. A truly stylish prize.  Look, it’s […]

People who find themselves unable to shop for food and essential supplies due to coronavirus restrictions are being made aware of support available to them.  Currently more than 3,200 people have been asked to self-isolate due to COVID-19 and many more vulnerable people are shielding at home, making it difficult […]

The Treasury Minister has told Gef that the island’s finances are in a secure position and indicated where he sees gov spending priorities post pandemic. Despite claims by some people online, Alf Canan said the island was financially well prepared for this lockdown, saying ‘absolutely, we can afford it’. He […]

Financial Assistance will be extended until the end of the current lockdown, the gov has confirmed. Chief Minister Howard Quayle today confirmed that lockdown will continue until at least 00.01am on Wednesday March 31. The Manx Earnings Replacement Allowance (‘MERA’), which provides individuals and the self-employed who are made redundant, […]

The terms of reference for the review into self-isolation requirements for Steam Packet crews have been published. Stephen Hind, the Director of Audit Advisory in the Treasury, has been appointed to conduct the review. The Treasury is the sole shareholder of the Steam Packet. The gov says that the review will […]

Is Your Banking Critical? The Isle of Man Bank issued texts today asking customers to ‘only enter the branch if your visit is absolutely critical’.   It added: ‘This could be for urgent cash transactions or to report fraud. Most day to day banking can be done via online or mobile […]

Howard, David, Dr Al, Dr Ewart Well good afternoon everyone  Thank you for staying at home over the weekend, I know it isn’t easy NUMBERS All tests have been processed – no awaiting results 29 new cases 847 Active Cases 14 in Hospital HOWARD Trend is a downturn – Positive […]

Manx Utilities has said it may consider pumping Laxey and Garff’s waste to Onchan in order to connect to the IRIS system, despite previously rejecting that proposal. Raw sewage is currently pumped through pipes into the sea at Laxey. MU is seeking suggestions for sites suitable for locating pumping stations […]

Tynwald is back again tomorrow and there is, as ever, a long list of questions for Ministers. Cannabis The most eye-catching questions come from Garff MHK Daphne Caine, who is seeking updates on the island’s position on cannabis. Mrs Caine is going to ask Health Minister David Ashford: ‘What plans […]

Content warning: This release mentions harassment, violence and murder. The Women of Mann are inviting residents of the Isle of Man to join a doorstep vigil on Monday 15th March at 9.30pm in tribute to Sarah Everard, the 33-year-old marketing executive whose killing has sparked worldwide conversation about violence against […]

Darkness into Light Isle Listen has been chosen by the Irish suicide prevention charity, Pieta, to be their Isle of Man charitable beneficiaries for their 2021 Darkness Into Light event to be held on the island on May 8. The global event is held each year at sunrise, as a […]

How Grades Will Be Determined The DESC has shared a document explaining how students’ GSCE and A-Level grades will be determined this year. The grades will be based on what students have been taught and will be determined by their teachers based on a range of evidence. See the table […]

Montreal Protocol Extended Increased measures to protect the Earth’s atmosphere from ozone depleting substances, under an international treaty, have been extended to the Isle of Man. Having ratified the original Montreal Protocol the latest amendments bring the island in line with the UK with immediate effect after their Government accepted […]