Police Pay Rise: When other public sectors are awarded, I'm furious the bravery, commitment and professionalism of officers means naught

21 July 2021

“When other public sector workers are being rewarded, I am furious that the bravery, commitment and professionalism of our police officers has been relegated to naught”

Police officer 2021 pay rise decision announced by Government tonight: "As set out at the Spending Review (2020), there will be a pause to headline pay rises for the majority of public sector workforces in 2021-22"

Reacting, Iain Prideaux, Chair of Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said: “The Home Secretary Priti Patel has said that the 2020 Spending Review will enforce a pause on police pay for this year whilst also stating, “we absolutely recognise the bravery, commitment and professionalism of our police who work night and day to keep us safe…”

“I am sure I speak for all our members when I say loud and clear, that our officers have given their heart and soul to policing through a pandemic with mixed messages from Government, they have taken the brunt of the public’s anger with spittle and rage; they have risked returning home to their loved ones with the Covid-19 virus; they have worked cancelled rest days and extended shifts through major events like G7; they continue to suffer high levels of fatigue and day in and day out, continue to make life saving decisions, carry high levels of risk and are placed under the closest public scrutiny only to be told they don’t deserve a pay rise.

“When other public sector workers are being rewarded, I am furious that the bravery, commitment and professionalism of our officers has been relegated to nought and this Government, which refused to vaccinate us as a priority has contempt for us. Out of touch and out of order, the Home Secretary should be ashamed. An emergency meeting of the PFEW Chairs and Secretaries from across the country has been called for tomorrow morning to formulate a united reply and plan to tackle this injustice. I will update our members shortly.”

Reporting today, the “independent” Police Remuneration Review Body stated “This year our remit did not include making an overall pay award recommendation” so it did not bother. It also rejected any notion of a “bonus” for officers for their hard work policing the Covid-19 pandemic.

Iain added: “The seventh report by the Police Remuneration Review Body sees a derisory £250 for PCDA constables and those earning below £24,000. Officers who have not reached the top of their pay band will also continue to receive incremental pay progression worth at least 2% of salary but leaves everyone else without a pay rise.”

Secretary Tony Henley said: “This is a betrayal to the work our officers have been engaged with over the past 12 plus months. They have consistently shown professionalism, courage and dedication in the continuing and increasing demands they are facing. I look forward to meeting with our colleagues to discuss the our next steps.”

The Police Federation of England and Wales said: “The current pay system for policing is not fit for purpose. We are forced to enter into an inherently unfair process from the start, with the odds weighted firmly in favour of the Government where, it seems, a decision has already been made when they set the parameters for the pay review body.

“It is now essential that we review this process and look to find an alternative. A solution that has the best interests of police officer pay at heart. We will be seeking the views of our members and calling an urgent meeting with our 43 Federation branches from across England and Wales to discuss our next steps.”