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Civil Nuclear Police Federation:
Divisive Police Officer Pay Rise is Not Enough
June 2022
The police pay announcement is a small step in the right direction but doesn't go far enough, the Civil Nuclear Police Federation has said.
The Federation's Chief Executive Gary Thwaite was speaking after the Government announced a £1,900 pay rise for all officers from 1 September.
The rise equates to an 8.8% increase for the lowest paid officers - and is equivalent to a 5% overall pay award when all ranks and pay scales are taken into account.
The Home Office said it had accepted the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body in full, saying it reflects "the vital role police officers have on the frontline making our streets safer".
Gary said: "In normal times, it would be a fair pay rise. But we're not in normal times, when you look at the cost of living and the rate of inflation.
"We also need to bear in mind that police officers haven't had a proper pay rise for years. This is a small step in the right direction, but it doesn't go far enough.
"It also seems divisive that it's a cash pay rise and not a percentage across the board. It feels a bit like divide and conquer. Its positive that lower earners are getting a substantial pay rise - and much needed, but it narrows the gap when officers start looking at promotion - they'll get a smaller pay increase then."
He continued: "It is still a real-terms pay cut. It's a big ask asking for an inflation-busting rise, but I don't feel like the past 10 years has been rectified. To do that, it's going to take these kinds of pay rises for the foreseeable future."
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "It is right that we recognise the extraordinary work of our officers who day in, day out, work tirelessly to keep our streets, communities and country safe."
In its recommendation to the Government, the PRRB noted concerns about the cost of living on junior ranks.
The Home Office said it would be supporting forces with an additional £350 million over the next three years, from within its existing budget, to help cover the associated costs of the pay award.