Multi-year pay deal agreed for police officers in Scotland
A two-year pay deal for police officers in Scotland from 2025-2027 has been agreed.
The agreement will see police officers receive a four per cent pay increase from April 2025 to March 2026 followed by a further 3.5 per cent increase from April 2026 to March 2027. The same uplift applies to a range of allowances and expenses for officers.
The pay deal is above inflation and includes a commitment to the pay award remaining at least one percentage point above the average Consumer Price Index rate each year – safeguarding earnings against rising living costs.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “I want to thank our police officers for the hard work and skill they demonstrate every day to deliver for our communities.
“I’m grateful to the Scottish Police Federation and everyone involved in reaching this agreement.”
Fiona McQueen, chair of the Scottish Police Authority said: “I warmly welcome this multi-year year pay deal for Scotland’s police officers. It recognises the valuable role officers play in keeping Scotland safe and secure and offers a degree of financial stability over the next two years.
“I want to thank everyone involved in the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland, particularly the Staff Side representatives, who showed great commitment to constructive dialogue to reach this pay deal.”
The official side of the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland (PNBS) has presented a
The two-year pay offer for police officers covering all ranks and pay points that was presented by the official side of the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland was formally accepted by the Staff Side on August 18, 2025.
Officers will also see the on call allowance rise to £36.40 in 2025 and to £43.68 in 2026.
Maternity and adoption pay will increase from 18-weeks to 26 weeks full pay in April 2026.
Officers will also benefit from mileage rates aligning with HM Revenue and Customs ‘approved rates, enhanced overnight disruption payments for international deployment, public holiday compensation for inspecting ranks and a rest day mileage entitlement where notice is given with less than 18 days.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “I am pleased that after a period of constructive discussion and negotiation, the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland has reached agreement on police officer pay for 2025/26 and 2026/27.
“I am grateful to all those involved. Police officers do a challenging job in often difficult circumstances and this agreement recognises their dedication and commitment to keeping communities safe.”
A police staff pay award that mirrors the offer agreed with officers is being put to a consultative ballot of trade unions’ members. A majority need to accept the offer for agreement to be reached.