Pay award for PSNI officers agreed
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers are to receive a seven per cent pay rise after Justice Minister Naomi Long confirmed the recommendations of an independent pay review body have been agreed.
The award for police officers at federated and superintending ranks was confirmed by Ms Long on Monday (March 25).
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher welcomed the announcement.
He said: “Since taking up post in November last year, I have been relentless in making sure that my voice has been heard to ensure our officers get the seven per cent pay award that they deserve.
“The Service Executive Team and I have been working closely with colleagues in the Department of Justice and the Department of Finance and I welcome today’s announcement.
“I want to reassure police staff colleagues that I am also fully committed to ensure that they get their pay award and that I will continue to work to secure that outcome.”
Ms Long said the pay award is “consistent with the recommendations of the independent police remuneration review body”.
The Justice Minister said: “I am pleased to announce approval for a pay award of over seven per cent for police officers, in recognition of the vital work that they do.
“Police officers play a crucial role in our society in upholding justice and safeguarding our communities and for that I thank them.
“The financial challenges faced by all NICS Departments are well documented however public sector pay has been a priority for me and my Executive colleagues.
“This award acknowledges the significant public service that police officers deliver and we continue to work towards pay settlements for other staff groups.”