Officers awarded two per cent pay rise

24 July 2018

Police officers will receive a two per cent pay rise in September, the Government announced today.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) had sought a 3.4 per cent uplift and once again the Government has ignored the recommendation of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) which had recommended a three per cent rise.

“It is disappointing that the Government has chosen not to fully support the recommendation from the review body, the independent organisation it set up to consider the views of all relevant parties when considering officer pay,” says Tiff Lynch, chair of Leicestershire Police Federation.

 “The Federation put forward detailed evidence as to why it felt a 3.4 per cent would be fair and reasonable but it would appear its arguments have fallen on deaf ears. Of course, we appreciate that any pay rise has to be affordable but police officers, and other public sector workers, have seen their wages fall in real terms in recent years.”

 The pay increase will consist of:

• a two per cent pay increase for all police officer ranks
• a two per cent increase to the London Weighting payment
• a two per cent increase to the Dog Handlers’ Allowance.

In deciding the award, the Government says it has strived to strike a balance between overall affordability to forces and fairness to the taxpayer, recognising the importance of continuing to reduce debt as a share of the economy while investing in vital public services.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our police officers do an incredible job in the face of complex crime and rising demand, and I’m grateful for their continued dedication to keeping us safe.  This award represents the highest consolidated pay award since 2010.

“I’ll continue to fight on behalf of police to ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.”

The award comes after the Government removed a one per cent cap on increases to public sector pay in 2017.

The PRRB had recommended that the one per cent non-consolidated award received in 2017-18 be consolidated, and that a further two per cent consolidated award be given to all police officers.

Tiff has also expressed concern that while the review body points out the savings made by forces in recent years, the Government announcement on pay also includes calls for a further £100 million to be saved.

And she was critical of the announcement in the pay settlement of a new police apprenticeship starting wage of £18,000 per year.

The PFEW has called the pay rise ‘derisory’ with national vice-chair Che Donald claiming it was an insult to officers, with some getting just £2.50 a week extra when it comes into effect.

• The National Police Chiefs' Council has also expressed concern that the Government has ignored the PRRB recommendations. Its lead for reward and recognition, Chief Constable Francis Habgood, said: “The Police Remuneration Review Body is independent and assesses evidence from a range of perspectives when reaching their decision.  We are concerned that not following its recommendations undermines confidence in the process.”