Today’s police officer pay award from Government is nothing other than yet another pay cut

19 July 2022

All police officers will receive a £1,900 pay rise from 1 September, the Government has announced.

The rise equates to an 8.8% increase for the lowest paid officers – and is equivalent to a 5% overall pay award when all ranks and pay scales are taken into account.

The Home Office said it has accepted the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body in full, saying it reflects “the vital role police officers have on the frontline making our streets safer”.

Steve James, Chair of Gloucestershire Police Federation, said: “Let’s be clear, today’s police officer pay award from Government is nothing other than yet another pay cut in a long line of pay cuts.

“Front loading it to young in service officers may appear generous but is still a real terms pay cut and does little to address the dire state of police starting pay.

It is clearly a cynical and divisive move designed to help ensure policing hits its Uplift targets, and whilst it may temporarily aid recruitment, will do absolutely nothing to aid retention of experienced officers.

“It does nothing to rebuild the 20% pay cut policing has taken in the last decade and actually just widens the gap further. In real tangible terms, officers will again be worse off.

“It closes the gap in pay scales between ranks and so does little to incentivise promotion or progression, or indeed to encourage long service PCs to stay in rank.

“Whilst we have no right to negotiate, the Government should be clear on the strength of feeling in policing that this pay award is in no way acceptable.”

The Government also announced it has raised the starting salary for officers joining on the Degree Apprentice programme to £23,556 – also from 1 September.

The Dog Handlers’ Allowance will also be increased by 5%.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “It is right that we recognise the extraordinary work of our officers who day in, day out, work tirelessly to keep our streets, communities and country safe.”

In its recommendation to the Government, the PRRB noted concerns about the cost of living on junior ranks.

The Home Office said it would be supporting forces with an additional £350 million over the next three years, from within its existing budget, to help cover the associated costs of the pay award.