Anger as Government digs its heels in on police pay

17 September 2024

“Every police officer in GMP deserves fair pay for the risks they encounter and for the commitment they display”

Greater Manchester Police Federation has reacted angrily to comments by Police Minister Diana Johnson that the Labour Government has no plans to change the way police officer pay rises are decided.

Dame Diana made the comments in a Q&A session at the Superintendents’ Association Conference, when pressed on police pay.

The Police Federation of England and Wales are lobbying for a new pay mechanism for police with the aim of fairer remuneration and working conditions for officers.

Mike Peake, Chair of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “Police Minister Diana Johnson’s comments that Labour has no plans to change the way police officer pay rises are decided is a complete snub of the strong feelings made by officers from across the country who made it clear during PFEW’s Industrial Rights poll in June that they want PFEW to negotiate with the government a fair and binding pay arbitration mechanism.

“A binding pay arbitration mechanism would be a much fairer process.

“Every police officer in GMP deserves fair pay for the risks they encounter and for the commitment they display, which was particularly evident during the recent disorder that was witnessed across the country, and the Labour Government cannot put their head in the sand and ignore the fact that nationally around 5,000 police officers left policing last year, which is concerning.

“The government need to recognise and acknowledge that there is a growing problem and they need to do more if they want to recruit and retain good people in policing.”

Currently the Police Pay Review Body hears evidence from interested parties and recommends what the police officer pay rise should be.

It receives direction from the Home Secretary before embarking on the pay review process and the Government is under no obligation to accept the PRRB’s recommendation.

This year’s recommendation of a 4.75% rise for officers was accepted in full.

Speaking last week, Dame Diana did say that the Government has agreed funding to pay for training in neighbourhood policing to equip officers "with the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle the issues that damage communities the most".

She also pledged to make sure the police covenant works for officers and support the wellbeing of police.