Legal action on pay award

23 October 2018

Legal proceedings are now being started by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) after the Government’s failure to accept the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) for the second year running.

The Federation has lodged an application to Judicial Review proceedings into the lawfulness of the Government’s decision.

The pay review body had recommended a three per cent rise from September this year but the Government only awarded two per cent, though the Federation has argued this is only worth 0.85 per cent in real terms.

PFEW had sought a 3.4 per cent increase in a joint submission to PRRB with the Superintendents’ Association.

John Apter, national Federation chair, said: “We must have confidence in an independent pay review system and for that to be ignored by Government undermines the whole process. Our members do not have industrial rights so it’s important they know we will stand up for them and fight their corner. It is a disgrace that for the second year running the Home Office has cheated police officers out of the pay increase they should receive; this year officers are being awarded a derisory two per cent increase, despite the recommendation of the PRRB - the independent body established by this Government to make evidence-based recommendations on police pay - that it should be three per cent.

“In response to this betrayal and based on legal advice, PFEW has instructed solicitors to formally proceed with a Judicial Review against the Home Secretary on the basis that he has stated that the pay decision was a Government decision and not his decision alone.

“Now more than ever it is imperative pay is adequate and fair acknowledging the incredibly demanding job officers do. It is unacceptable to see officers struggling to make ends meet whilst working all the hours under the sun to keep the public safe because there simply aren’t enough officers to meet the increasing demand.

“Police officers must be treated fairly and have confidence that any independent pay recommendations will be accepted in full by the Home Secretary.

“I know the deep sense of anger felt by many of our members about the way they have been treated. This is why we have taken this action and make no apology for doing so. Doing nothing was simply not an option and it is right and proper that we legally challenge this unfairness.”

• The 0.85 per cent is derived from the fact that only one per cent of last year’s two per cent increase was consolidated. That one per cent has now been removed by the Government for this year’s pay award so, taking into account pension contributions, the actual uplift is worth approximately 0.85 per cent to constables.