Police officers set for 2.5% pay rise in 2020

21 July 2020

Police Officers in England and Wales will receive a 2.5% pay rise - to take effect from 1 September - 2020 after the Government accepted in full the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body.

The Police Federation of England and Wales said that the 2.5% increase in pay across all ranks “is a step in the right direction and, whilst it is less than the we asked for, will be broadly welcomed against a backdrop of financial pressures on the economy.”

It was also announced that the Dog Handlers’ Allowance will increase by 2.5%, there will be the removal of the lowest point on the sergeants’ pay scale and that the London Allowance will increase by £1,000.  

Matt Webb, Chairman of Sussex Police Federation, said: “Although we submitted an evidence based argument for a 5% pay increase, the increased announced by the Treasury, which is above inflation, is welcomed as it begins to close the gap of the real terms decrease in pay that officers have suffered over the last decade.

"Especially as we know the financial position this Government now face has never been seen before in peacetime.

“There are a further 19 recommendations from the PRRB which we are expecting an announcement from the Govt later today and once we are aware of the content of the recommendations in full we will be able to comment further.”

PFEW National Chair John Apter said: “In the current financial climate with so much uncertainty, the fact the Government has fully accepted the recommendations of the PRRB will come as a relief.

“Do my colleagues deserve more? Absolutely, and the Government must go further to pay officers fairly for the unique and dangerous job they do.  

“However, with the economic vulnerability we face as a country, many colleagues will be relieved to receive a 2.5% pay increase - anything lower would have been completely unacceptable.”

The PFEW in its submission to the Police Remuneration Review Body had asked for 5%.

Mr Apter continued: “It is positive to see the Government abiding by proper process and accepting all the recommendations of the PRRB. This has not always been the case.

“We will continue to fight to get our members the pay they deserve following a real-terms cut of 18% during the last decade, the effects of which have taken their toll.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "Our amazing police have responded to unprecedented challenges during coronavirus. To recognise their immense efforts, we will be increasing their pay this year. To everyone in the policing family - thank you.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for pay and conditions, Chief Constable Matt Jukes, said: “The commitment of our officers to keeping our communities safe every day, not least during the recent challenging period, rightly deserves recognising.

“Given our difficult financial times, it is very welcome news the government has accepted the Pay Remuneration Review Body’s recommendation for an increase in police pay above the rate of inflation.

“Chief Constables welcome the endorsement of our proposals on targeted variable pay and sergeants’ pay. Taken together this will contribute to ensuring specific roles in the service are filled and to supporting the ongoing recruitment of officers.”