Pay increase: the first step but a way to go

21 July 2020

The 2.5 per cent pay award announced today is a step towards getting police officers’ wages back to where they should be after years of below-inflation salary increases, according to Humberside Police Federation secretary Helen Collier.

Helen also welcomed the fact that the Government had accepted in full the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PPRB).

“This has not always been the case so I am pleased to see that the Government is now following due process and backing the findings of the independent body set up to advise on police officer pay,” says Helen.

In a joint submission to PRRB in February, the Police Federation of England and Wales and the Police Superintendents’ Association had called for a five per cent pay increase across all ranks.

“Clearly, this submission was made before the pandemic and the consequent financial crisis we are facing as a country,” says Helen, “Given the current circumstances, I welcome this increase as a step towards getting us back to where we should be after years of below-inflation salary increases that saw officer pay fall by 18 per cent in real terms over the 10-year period of austerity.

“But, I must stress this is just a step in the right direction. Police officers need to be paid fairly for the unique role they play in society. They put their lives on the line, running towards danger as others run away so that they can tackle and prevent crime, protect the vulnerable and maintain order.

“The Police Federation will continue to fight for a better pay deal once the economy allows.”

Helen’s views were echoed by the national chair of the Police Federation, John Apter, who said today: “With the economic vulnerability we face as a country, many colleagues will be relieved to receive a 2.5 per cent pay increase - anything lower would have been completely unacceptable.”

The pay rise will mean a constable will receive an extra £1,100* of pensionable salary a year from 1 September this year.

The Government also announced: 

•  London Weighting and the dog handlers’ allowance would increase by 2.5 per cent too
• The lowest point on the sergeants’ pay scale would be removed
• The maximum rate of London Allowance would increase by £1,000 to £5,338 a year for officers appointed on or after 1 September 1994 and not receiving replacement allowance.

* This takes into account salary plus allowances.