Federation seeks ‘thank you’ payment for officers

30 January 2021

The secretary of Hertfordshire Police Federation has supported calls for officers to receive a special recognition payment for their ‘selfless and relentless’ work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has requested a three per cent pay increase and a special ‘thank you’ payment as part of its annual submission to the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) in conjunction with the Superintendents’ Association.

Al Wollaston said: “It is only right that the selfless and relentless work of police officers is acknowledged in this way. They have been, and still are, on the frontline dealing with this pandemic, risking their health and wellbeing as well as that of their families.

“They are continuing to do all they can to protect communities and rewarding their efforts with a financial ‘thank you’ would show that the Government appreciates their efforts.”

Alex Duncan, national Federation secretary, said he was aware that asking for an increase in officer pay after public sector pay has been frozen may seem futile but he explained: “Police officers have been at the forefront of this pandemic and continue to put themselves and their families at risk, working long hours every day to keep the public safe during these unprecedented times.”

The Federation also questions whether the Government’s pay freeze decision was necessary when the Spending Review awarded forces with budgets sufficient for officers to be recognised for their work during the pandemic.

Alex added: “The Home Secretary states in the remit letter that the Government only took that decision in extraordinary circumstances but this is the fifth out of seven PRRB rounds that vital evidence has been completely disregarded.

“Vital work goes into informing submissions made to the PRRB and it is disheartening to see this being ignored time and time again. You cannot blame us for questioning whether this process is effective.”

The Federation is seeking the three per cent pay rise for all officers and a ‘thank you’ payment on the basis that an uplift is feasible in budget terms and that the private sector has rewarded key workers with a similar payment.