Should Teachers Be Paid for Snow Day?

Teachers on the Isle of Man are still waiting to find out if they’ll get paid for Monday, January 5, when schools shut due to icy roads.

Education Minister Daphne Caine apologised in the Keys for late messages, mixed signals about a possible half-day opening, and the chaos it caused parents, staff and employers.

Schools were first closed for the morning, then kept shut all day after overnight snow made roads and pavements treacherous. Bus Vannin also suspended all services.

MHKs grilled Mrs Caine over the delays, with Tim Glover saying families had ‘no certainty whatsoever,’ and Lawrie Hooper asking if a half-day plan just made things worse.

Mrs Caine said the department is still liaising with central HR about pay but couldn’t confirm anything yet, leaving teachers and support staff waiting in the icy unknown.

Gef has approached NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the Isle of Man, for comment.

But what do you think? Should teachers be paid for the snow day? Let us know your thoughts at hello@gef.im.