Public sector pay freeze lifted: “Police officers deserve fair pay for the job they do”

26 October 2021

“Police officers deserve fair pay for the job they do”

Police officers are set to see their pay rise once again next year after the Government confirmed the public sector pay freeze is being lifted.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will use his Budget on Wednesday to say police officers, nurses, teachers and members of the armed forces are among those set to benefit.

A "temporary pause" in salary progression was introduced by the Government last November as a response to the pandemic – it saw police officers in England and Wales receive a 0% pay rise in 2021.

In an announcement late on Monday, the Treasury said the chancellor would use his forthcoming Budget to say "the solid economic recovery and encouraging signs in the labour market" mean the "pay pause" can be lifted.

Mel Warnes, Chair of Surrey Police Federation, said “An end to the pay freeze next year for police officers is welcomed news, particularly when they were not awarded a pay increase when other public sectors were this year. We know the cost of living is increasing and police officers pay in real terms is 9% less than in 2010. Police officers deserve fair pay for the job they do.”

In a statemnt given to the media on Monday night, Mr Sunak said: "The economic impact and uncertainty of the virus meant we had to take the difficult decision to pause public sector pay.

"Along with our plan for jobs, this action helped us protect livelihoods at the height of the pandemic.

"And now, with the economy firmly back on track, it's right that nurses, teachers and all the other public sector workers who played their part during the pandemic see their wages rise."

Ministers will be "running a full pay round and the awards will be announced next year once the Government responds to the pay review bodies' recommendations", the Treasury added.

It was announced last week that all Scottish Police officers will receive a £700 pay rise in 2021, alongside a £250 working the pandemic bonus.