National Chair John Apter
Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s expected implementation of a pay freeze for all but the lowest paid public sectors has been described by PFEW’s National Chair as a ‘kick in the teeth for police officers.’
John Apter reacted to today’s Spending Review announcement which also detailed plans for some public sector workers who earn below the median wage of £24,000 to be guaranteed a pay rise of at least £250.
In a conversation which John Apter had with the Police Minister later this afternoon, it was confirmed incremental pay rises and promotion for members would not be affected.
Following the announcement, Mr Apter said: “After years of austerity and a real terms pay cut of 18%, today’s news will be a kick in the teeth for police officers.
“This year my colleagues have been on the frontline in the battle against COVID-19, protecting the public and putting their own safety and the safety of their families at risk. Despite the warm words and the weekly applause for key workers, it seems to count for nothing.
“We are realists; we know that the country is facing a difficult economic future. But rewarding those who have played a vital role in the fight against the virus with a pay freeze is nothing short of a disgrace.
“A handful of officers will get the additional £250 for the lowest paid workers, but only those who are already on an appallingly low starting salary for the dangerous job they do.
“I appreciate the devil will be in the detail, but the headlines from today’s announcement does nothing to show appreciation to police officers and other public sector workers who have kept the wheels turning during 2020.”
During the Spending review Announcement, Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out what the UK government would spend on health, education, transport and other public services next year.
- Millions of public sector workers will see their pay frozen next year
- NHS workers and those earning less than £24,000 will get increase
- The UK economy expected to shrink by 11.5% this year
- Unemployment is expected to reach 7.5% next spring, with 2.6m people out of work
- Overseas aid budget to be cut by about £5bn
- New £4bn ‘levelling up’ fund to pay for upgrading local infrastructure
