Federation reaction to the 2021 police pay rise announcement

22 July 2021

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, Mike Reed, Chair of The City of London Police Federation, said: “A 0% pay rise for police officers in 2021 clearly represents the total lack of respect that this Government has for the hard working officers that stepped up without question to support this country throughout the past 18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“They are still stepping up as we speak.

“Our colleagues have been vilified by sections of the press, spat on by the very people they are protecting and now have had salt rubbed in their wounds by a Government that offers words alone in thanks.

“Policing isn’t comparing itself to others who have received greater increases in the public sector, it’s just asking to be recognised as the service that holds the fabric of society together when all goes wrong.

“Police officers never fail to run towards danger or react to the latest threat. For far too long this has been overlooked and taken for granted by those in power. This must change. And it must change now.”

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.

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.”