Likely delay to police officer pay award ‘deeply frustrating’ says PCC
Wiltshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson says it is “deeply frustrating” that Parliament has entered its summer recess without addressing the recommendations of the Police Officer Pay Review Body.
Each year, police officer’s pay rises are subject to recommendations from the Police Remuneration Review Body, which are then ratified by the Home Secretary with the process concluding ahead of the summer recess so pay increases are awarded on time for September 1.
The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) said the continued delay was “simply unacceptable”.
“At this point in the year, we would ordinarily have received confirmation of the police pay award due to take effect in September,” it said. “Unfortunately, no announcement has been made – and with Parliament now in summer recess until September 1, it is unlikely we will hear anything further before then.”
Mr Wilkinson has written a letter to the Home Secretary urging her to “act swiftly and decisively” on this matter.
The Wiltshire PCC said: “It is deeply frustrating that police officers and staff are likely to face a delay in the uplift of their pay – especially when much of the public sector have received confirmation prior to Parliament’s summer recess.
“At a time when our officers and staff are being asked to do more than ever – responding to rising public order threats, covering national events, and working extended hours – we must ensure that they feel valued for their dedication and sacrifice to keep our communities safe.
“I urge the Home Secretary to act swiftly and decisively to ensure police officers and staff receive certainty respect, and fair remuneration in line with the wider public sector pay awards.”
Police staff pay negotiations typically start following the announcement of the police officer award to ensure parity and therefore police staff pay awards have also been delayed as a result.
The PFEW said: “Every other major public sector workforce has had their pay award confirmed. Yet once again, police officers – who are serving under intense pressure – have been left waiting.
“The timing of this delay is particularly concerning. Officers are working flat out – responding to rising public order threats and being diverted from local policing to support personal visits by world leaders – and yet, with just weeks to go, they still don’t know what their September pay will be.”