The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) says today’s 2.5% pay award for police officers is “a step in the right direction”. 

Today (21 July) the Home Office announced it will accept in full the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) - the independent body which advises the Government what police officers should be paid. 

Reacting to the news 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.

“The 2.5% increase in pay across all ranks is a step in the right direction and, whilst it is less than we asked for, will be broadly welcomed against a backdrop of financial pressures on the economy. 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 pay rise – which will come into effect on 1 September 2020 – equates to around an extra £1,100* of pensionable salary a year for a constable. 

Mr Apter continued: “This is not as much as we asked for -  but it is more than many of our colleagues expected. And 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.”

As well as the pay rise, which is applicable across all ranks, the Government announced: 

•  London Weighting and the Dog Handlers’ Allowance to increase by 2.5%   
• Removal of the lowest point on the sergeants’ pay scale  
• The maximum rate of London Allowance to increase by £1,000 to £5,338 a year for officers appointed on or after 1 September 1994 and not receiving Replacement Allowance 

* This takes into account salary plus allowances.