"Police Officers deserve an independent pay review body with binding arbitration... Government, it's time to listen..."

18 September 2024

Sussex 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.

Raffaele Cioffi, Chair of Sussex Police Federation, said: “It is disappointing to hear that the policing minister has informed members that there are no plans to change the way police pay is determined. 

"This stance comes from the Labour Party, which claims to be the 'party of the working people.' Members are not asking for anything beyond fairness - specifically, an independent pay review body with binding arbitration.

"Government, it's time to listen. A staggering 97.7% of members support the right to collective bargaining. They are simply asking for fairness when it comes to pay and working conditions, similar to what Members of Parliament already have. 

"Is that too much to ask?”

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.