Officers Must Not Suffer Another Pay Freeze

1 June 2020

Police officers would be “devastated” if their pay was – once again – frozen, this time in order to help pay for the coronavirus debt, Essex Police Federation has said.

Some newspapers have reported that the Government is considering a two-year public sector pay freeze, among other measures, to fund the UK’s deficit. The deficit could reach £337 billion this year because of coronavirus, up from the £55 billion forecast in March’s Budget.

Other newspapers have reported that Boris Johnson has said there is “no question” of freezing public sector pay and that there will not be a return to austerity measures.

Essex Police Federation Chairman Steve Taylor said: “Having suffered through the indignity of the first round of austerity, I’d like to think anyone with any sense can appreciate that the funding for policing in particular was cut too fast, too deep, and we have paid a price for that and continue to do so.

“Before Covid-19 hit we were starting to see the green shoots of recovery in terms of investment, which was welcomed and well-earned by our members. So I would sincerely hope that there isn’t a politician in the land that would want to rush back to another round of austerity, particularly with the police in the target, because it’s as lean and as skeletal as a public sector possibly could be in the view of our members.

“With buildings being sold off left, right and centre, and mergers and collaborations, there’s very little left. The only thing left – that will suffer as a result of more austerity – is the service that we can provide. So if the Government is prepared to change the way that we police in this country, to lower what police are expected to do because you’re not going to pay for all the things you need them to do, that’s a difficult message for any political party to get home.”

Steve said that officers would feel “devastated” and “betrayed” if their pay was frozen and that some would consider alternative careers. He said: “We pride ourselves on policing being a family and that would be a horrific event for any family to put up with. First austerity one and then austerity two – I shudder to think how that would be received.”