25 November 2020

Pay freeze for officers is a 'betrayal' of those on the front line

A pay rise for police officers is to be "paused" next year, the Chancellor has told the House of Commons today.

"I cannot justify an across-the-board pay increase for all public sector workers," Rishi Sunak said.

Doctors and nurses will still get a pay rise, and those in the public sector earning under £24,000 will get a pay rise of at least £250, he told Parliament.

Mr Sunak did tell MPs that “pay progressions and promotions will carry on” in the public sector, which should refer to police officers who receive/are scheduled to receive incremental rises.

Anna Harvey, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, said: “Today’s announcement on the pause of public sector pay rises can only be described as a real betrayal of those women and men who have been on the front line putting themselves in real danger over the past nine months.

“We have seen officers dealing with extremely challenging situations, increased demand, and now to be told that your pay is being frozen is inexcusable. I won’t need to remind our members of the years of austerity when our pay reduced in real terms by 18%. 

“Forces are continuing to recruit and retain officers, however this announcement will certainly make some potential applicants think twice. While I appreciate some of our junior in service officers who are on low starting salaries will get a £250 pay increase, this will have a minimal impact.” 

Parliament heard how £400+ million will be provided to recruit 20,000 extra police officers by 2023, with 6,000 having joined already. Mr Sunak added: "We're on track to recruit 20,000."

Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds referenced how hollow the Chancellor "clapping for carers" during the first lockdown now looked.

She added: “Firefighters, police officers and teachers will know their spending power is going down… many key workers who took on so much responsibility during this crisis are now being forced to tighten their belts.”

She compared this to the “bonanza” for private companies who have won PPE contracts from the Government this year.