“We have to make our voice heard on police officer pay… and we will. If we get nowhere then we have to review and consider all options including legal action”

17 September 2024

Norfolk 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.

Andy Symonds, Chair of Norfolk Police Federation, said: “It’s disappointing that the Labour Government have no plans to change the way police officer pay and conditions are decided. We have a clear mandate from our members who have spoken in their tens of thousands with one clear consistent message.

“Police Officers are not happy with the status quo and it must be changed to a system that is truly independent and gives us the ability to get around a negotiating table. They’ve done it for most other public sector workers. Look at the junior doctors.

“They have only been on for a few months now, so I suppose it’s not surprising that at this stage they are finding their feet and not wishing to promise anything until they’ve truly understood the issues and our position as a Federation on behalf of our members.

“However they must now engage with us properly going forwards from here and it’s incumbent on me and all within the Federation to engage with all 650 members of parliament within each force area.

“For the National Chair and Secretary when they have their meetings with the Home Sec, Policing Minister and Home Office officials to be the proverbial dog with a bone on this subject.

“We have to make our voice heard and we will. If we get nowhere then we have to review and consider all options including legal action.”

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.