Police Officers Awarded 2.5% Pay Rise in 2020

18 August 2020

Police Officers in England and Wales will receive a 2.5% pay rise – to take effect from 1 September 2020 – after the Government accepted in full the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body.

However there was no percentage increase on the South East Allowance, much to the anger of Essex Police Federation.

The Police Federation of England and Wales said that the 2.5% increase in pay across all ranks “is a step in the right direction and, whilst it is less than the we asked for, will be broadly welcomed against a backdrop of financial pressures on the economy.”

It was also announced that the Dog Handlers’ Allowance will increase by 2.5%, there will be the removal of the lowest point on the sergeants’ pay scale and that the London Allowance can increase by £1,000.
The PRRB said “the whole issue of geographical allowances should be reviewed urgently” and did not increase the South East Allowance at all.

Laura Heggie, Chair of Essex Police Federation, said: “It’s a positive step that all our recommendations were accepted and also that all public sector workers have been recognised.

“We had asked for a 5% pay increase so although we didn’t get what we asked for, we do welcome the 2.5% increase announced today that comes into play in September 2020. This will be welcomed by our members at a time when things are difficult for many.

“It’s good news for our new Sergeants that the lowest point of the Sergeant’s pay scale is being removed so they will automatically start on the next pay point and our Dog Handlers will receive a 2.5% increase to the dog handlers allowance.”

She added: “The South East allowance is a bone of contention. It is in place to assist with Recruitment and Retention and it is at the discretion of the Chief Constable for each force as to how much is awarded.

“I was only speaking to the Chief in the last week again asking him to reconsider increasing the SE allowance. The Chief maintains that he is still unable to increase it at this time – which comes as a bitter pill to swallow when surrounding forces receive more benefits and potentially that decision could make it harder for us as a force to recruit or retain our officers.

“We will continue to ask the Chief to review that decision.”

PFEW National Chair John Apter said: “In the current financial climate with so much uncertainty, the fact the Government has fully accepted the recommendations of the PRRB will come as a relief.

“Do my colleagues deserve more? Absolutely, and the Government must go further to pay officers fairly for the unique and dangerous job they do.

“However, with the economic vulnerability we face as a country, many colleagues will be relieved to receive a 2.5% pay increase – anything lower would have been completely unacceptable.”

The PFEW in its submission to the Police Remuneration Review Body had asked for 5%.

Mr Apter continued: “It is positive to see the Government abiding by proper process and accepting all the recommendations of the PRRB. This has not always been the case.

“We will continue to fight to get our members the pay they deserve following a real-terms cut of 18% during the last decade, the effects of which have taken their toll.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Our amazing police have responded to unprecedented challenges during coronavirus. To recognise their immense efforts, we will be increasing their pay this year. To everyone in the policing family – thank you.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for pay and conditions, Chief Constable Matt Jukes, said: “The commitment of our officers to keeping our communities safe every day, not least during the recent challenging period, rightly deserves recognising.

“Given our difficult financial times, it is very welcome news the government has accepted the Pay Remuneration Review Body’s recommendation for an increase in police pay above the rate of inflation.

“Chief Constables welcome the endorsement of our proposals on targeted variable pay and sergeants’ pay. Taken together this will contribute to ensuring specific roles in the service are filled and to supporting the ongoing recruitment of officers.”