The Police Federation who represents around 140,000 officers has said the 7% pay rise is a “step in the right direction” however it “fails” over the “real term cut” of 17%.
Steve Hartshorn, national chairman of the body, said: “That is a step in the right direction but we must not lose sight of the fact that this uplift still fails to take account of the real term cut of 17% officers have suffered since 2000.
“It is important that Government also provides new money for the pay award so that chief officers do not have to cut essential services to the public to fund it.
“Hearing today’s news, I have no doubt that police officers will have mixed feelings – on the one hand, they will be pleased that the pay award was not as bad as some media outlets had speculated, but also disappointed that it doesn’t fully take account of inflation, as they and their families struggle with increased utility, mortgage and food costs.
“We will continue to push for fair pay awards that take full account of inflation and recognise and reward the unique status of police officers; including the introduction of a fair, independent mechanism and negotiation process, so that we can properly sit down with Government and employers to negotiate pay settlements that fully consider the risks and restrictions placed on police officers’ private and professional lives.
“The focus going forward needs to be on pay restoration.”
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