Police Scotland recruitment review threatens jobs and pay, warns Unison

The union representing emergency call handlers, custody officers, administrative staff and forensic experts is concerned the Scottish government’s failure to fund fully the employers’ National Insurance increase to 15 per cent from April could lead to a recruitment freeze and unacceptable pay deals.

At a board meeting of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) on Thursday, the chief constable of Police Scotland Jo Farrell said maintaining police officer numbers at the current level of 16,600 will only be possible if NI costs are covered in full.

She also said the force must identify £9 million worth of savings or job cuts could follow.

Ms Farrell said that, following a planned officer intake in March, recruitment would require to be reduced during the coming financial year if additional costs, totalling £25.3 million, were not fully funded.

Chief Constable Farrell said: “We remain in close and constructive discussions with the Scottish government, including this week, and the current indication is we will be supported with 50 per cent of the costs.

“I previously welcomed their budget proposals, which enabled us to progress the vision and business plan, which was endorsed by the Authority, while also maintaining our workforce.

“At the same time, I was explicit that additional employer national insurance costs facing Police Scotland in 2025/26, following an announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in October, should be met in full.

“Through hard reform already achieved, including large workforce reductions, policing in Scotland has removed over £200m from the annual cost base compared to legacy arrangements, while protecting and improving service.

“Our efficiency means over 86 per cent of our revenue costs is spent on workforce pay.

“Policing in Scotland’s record of fiscal discipline and rigour has been an important component of stability and credibility in recent years and delivering a balanced budget is a priority for me.”

She told the SPA meeting: The 2025/26 budget for policing is very challenging, and already includes a requirement to achieve £9 million of efficiencies.

“We must also anticipate pay award costs and further costs associated with the Public Inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh.

“There are very few levers to achieve further savings, other than reducing the workforce.

“As outlined in my report, we are committed to another recruitment intake next month, but we are reviewing our recruitment profile for the coming financial year.

“My commitment to ongoing reform is evidenced through our 2030 vision and our three year business plan. We are turning over every rock to achieve further efficiencies to build an effective and sustainable operating model which delivers for communities.

“Constraints on funding will slow the progress of work that’s started and which is planned.”

Unison says it has deep concerns that ministers’ aim to retain officers means any staff reductions would fall on support workers and specialist services.

Unison Police Scotland branch secretary David Malcolm said: “Police staff are essential to the smooth running of Scotland’s criminal justice system.

“A further squeeze on workforce numbers would strain already overstretched services, putting public safety at risk.

“Workers are also concerned Police Scotland will use financial pressure as an excuse to delay or refuse essential pay increases.

“Police Scotland and ministers must provide assurances that police staff jobs and pay are protected.”