Federation calls for inflation linked pay rise

1 February 2021

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has requested a three per cent pay rise as part of its annual submission to the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB).

The submission is made jointly with the Superintendents’ Association.

Jon said: “Police officers have risen to the challenge of policing the pandemic and their pay should be kept in line with inflation. They have been, and still are, on the frontline dealing with this pandemic, risking their own health and wellbeing as well as their families.

“Not only have officers being responding to all the usual demands for their help but they have also been trying to work with the public to ensure that they are complying with the latest Government guidance and restrictions during the various stages of lockdowns and this has added to the pressures they are under.

“They are continuing to do all they can to protect communities and keep them safe so rewarding their efforts with a financial ‘thank you’ would be a tangible sign that the Government recognises their critical role in the nation’s response to Covid-19.

National Federation secretary Alex Duncan said asking for an increase in officer pay after public sector pay has been frozen may be pointless but was necessary.

He explained: “Police officers have been at the forefront of this pandemic and continue to put themselves and their families at risk, working long hours every day to keep the public safe during these unprecedented times.”

The Federation is also questioning the Government’s decision to freeze pay when the Spending Review awarded forces budgets to include officers being recognised for their work over the last 10 months.

Alex added: “The Home Secretary states in the remit letter that the Government only took that decision in extraordinary circumstances but this is the fifth out of seven PRRB rounds that vital evidence has been completely disregarded.

“Vital work goes into informing submissions made to the PRRB and it is disheartening to see this being ignored time and time again. You cannot blame us for questioning whether this process is effective.”

The Federation will seek the three per cent pay rise for all officers and a ‘thank you’ payment on the basis that an uplift is feasible in budget terms and that the private sector has rewarded key workers with a similar payment.