Scottish police officers stage protest over pay

A pay claim for a 5.5 per cent increase for the year 2024/25 was submitted earlier this year. The same amount was awarded to NHS workers. However, the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland, which includes the Scottish government rejected this, saying that 4.75 per cent was a fair offer.

In effect, Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority and the Scottish government have “snubbed Scotland’s police officers”, according to the Scottish Police Federation (SPF).

SPF general secretary David Kennedy, who represents 16,500 rank and file policemen and women, said: “We will be taking to the streets on Thursday as we have been left with no choice. The anger is palpable.

“Unlike doctors, council workers and train drivers we can’t strike or take industrial action and that is one of the most effective ways to make politicians in government listen.

“For many officers it is increasingly difficult to make ends meet, given the rate of inflation and high energy prices. We are asking for a fair pay award in recognition of our contribution to society.”

The SPF points out that the demands of the job have increased significantly in recent years, alongside a rise in violent attacks on police officers. The degree of scrutiny faced by officers when on and off duty is unlike any other profession.

Police officers’ pay has fallen behind other public sector bodies since 2006 when the previous pay mechanism was withdrawn.

Mr Kennedy says that low pay and the increasing demands of the job have resulted in officers quitting the service in droves. The staff survey released by Police Scotland revealed that 70 per cent of police workers would not recommend working for the force.

He said the issues facing police officers on a daily basis include reduced staffing levels, crumbling infrastructure, and lack of equipment, all contributing to low morale. Police officers are often called to deal with issues that arise from overstretched public services such as mental health services.

Police officers in Scotland withdrew their goodwill on November 1, meaning that they will not work outside their allotted hours, will not start shifts early and will not take PPE or police equipment home with them.

Mr Kennedy concluded, “We are losing dozens of officers every month due to the demands of the job and the fact that they can earn significantly better pay elsewhere. Soon there will simply not be enough serving officers to keep the public safe.”

The of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) joined colleagues from the SPF and Unison in the public show of “the anger and utter disappointment felt by our members”.

In a statement it said: “Almost an entire eight months after a pay award was due, police officers in Scotland are without a pay deal.

“With a pay rise imposed on English and Welsh colleagues back in July (by a pay review body that commands no confidence among staff associations there), it took the Scottish government a further three months to even match that offer.

“Police officers aren’t stupid and know this means less in their take home pay in Scotland, due to higher taxes here.

“Our pay claim, which the Staff Side revised down in good faith in an attempt to compromise, is simply the same as our public sector colleagues in the NHS received.

“Our members will struggle to deliver the same service without the goodwill of federated colleagues. This will lead to increased cost and decreased output.

“We are already struggling with record low numbers of senior officers coupled with more demand and more risk than ever below.

“We call on the Scottish government to do the right thing and come back to the table with an improved offer. It will be a cold Christmas for Scotland’s police officers, otherwise.”

The police officers’ protest took place from 9am to 12 noon, outside the Merchants’ House of Glasgow.