Federation Chair on Pay: Pay award welcomed given the difficult position the country is facing

Police Officers in England and Wales will receive a 2.5% pay rise – to take effect from 1 September – 2020 after the Government accepted in full the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body.

The Police Federation of England and Wales said that the 2.5% increase in pay across all ranks “is a step in the right direction and, whilst it is less than the we asked for, will be broadly welcomed against a backdrop of financial pressures on the economy.”

It was also announced that the Dog Handlers’ Allowance will increase by 2.5%, there will be the removal of the lowest point on the sergeants’ pay scale and that the London Allowance will increase by £1,000.

Steve Kent, Chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “I welcome the fact that Police officers will be seeing a pay rise – it does not go anywhere near repairing the damage caused by the vicious austerity which has affected Police Officers in the last decade and that is why the PFEW made the case for 5%. I do recognise however that we are in difficult times and as long as there are consistent year on year pay rises in the future rather than a return to pay freezes then rather than being happy, I am at least content but guarded as to this not being a one off and it actually needs to signify that we aren’t going to return to those dark days as Police Officers have suffered enough.”

PFEW National Chair John Apter said: “In the current financial climate with so much uncertainty, the fact the Government has fully accepted the recommendations of the PRRB will come as a relief.

“Do my colleagues deserve more? Absolutely, and the Government must go further to pay officers fairly for the unique and dangerous job they do.

“However, with the economic vulnerability we face as a country, many colleagues will be relieved to receive a 2.5% pay increase – anything lower would have been completely unacceptable.”

The PFEW in its submission to the Police Remuneration Review Body had asked for 5%.

Mr Apter continued: “It is positive to see the Government abiding by proper process and accepting all the recommendations of the PRRB. This has not always been the case.

“We will continue to fight to get our members the pay they deserve following a real-terms cut of 18% during the last decade, the effects of which have taken their toll.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Our amazing police have responded to unprecedented challenges during coronavirus. To recognise their immense efforts, we will be increasing their pay this year. To everyone in the policing family – thank you.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for pay and conditions, Chief Constable Matt Jukes, said: “The commitment of our officers to keeping our communities safe every day, not least during the recent challenging period, rightly deserves recognising.

“Given our difficult financial times, it is very welcome news the government has accepted the Pay Remuneration Review Body’s recommendation for an increase in police pay above the rate of inflation.

“Chief Constables welcome the endorsement of our proposals on targeted variable pay and sergeants’ pay. Taken together this will contribute to ensuring specific roles in the service are filled and to supporting the ongoing recruitment of officers.”