“Long-term approach to police officer pay and conditions”

THE Police Federation of England and Wales has said it is taking a “long-term approach to police officer pay and conditions” as it emphasises its one per cent pay rise request for members.

In their joint submission to the Police Pay Review Body, the Police Federation of England and Wales and the Superintendents’ Association have already asked for an “uplift of 1% for all”.

However they have also asked that more “appropriate adjustments” are made in future years.

This, the PFEW, said is “to ensure officers are not left behind others when the UK economy is more buoyant.”

Speaking as he gave oral evidence to the Police Remuneration Review Body, Andy Fittes, PFEW General Secretary, said: “Our submission takes a long-term approach. This is not just about the here and now, but about ensuring we are recognised as a credible organisation supplying strong evidence-based submissions.

“To that end, this submission is about planning for future pay uplifts as well as just for 2015/16. We have therefore asked for an uplift of the maximum of 1% for all, including officers who receive an increment to basic pay, existing regional allowances and all allowances that are normally included in uplifts, such as dog handlers’ allowance.

“Not only does this take account of our recognition of the public sector austerity measures set by Government, but it addresses our primary concern is that there should be no further divisive pay changes.

“Officers have had to endure much turbulence to their pay and allowances in recent years as a result of the Winsor review and we are asking that there be no further piecemeal change to pay and conditions without proper long-term evidence of its impact.”

With the introduction of a Police Remuneration Review Body issues over police officer pay and remuneration in England and Wales will no longer be negotiated.

Instead the Review Body will consider evidence submitted by interested parties – including Government departments, ACPO, police and crime commissioners and staff associations.

The PRRB has until April to consider the evidence presented.

The first set of recommendations and conclusions will be submitted to the Home Secretary in June 2015 and is expected to be ratified in July, for the September 2015 pay settlement.