The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is pleased to hear Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley call for a police officer pay award that takes account of the current rate of inflation, which is just over 10 per cent.

PFEW National Chair Steve Hartshorn said: “At a time when media reports are adding to the anxiety of police officers by claiming the Government is recommending a 3.5 per cent pay award for most public sector workers; it is pleasing to see the Met Commissioner standing up to voice the very real struggles of rank and file officers. I hope other chief officers will do the same.

“Police officers of England and Wales have suffered real term pay cut of 28.7 per cent at the lowest end of the pay scale over the last decade. Police officers have been withstanding an excruciating rise in the cost of living, sometimes finding it difficult to put two square meals on the dining table for their families while they protect our communities 24/7, 365 days a year.

“This is unacceptable and must stop now if the Government is serious about fulfilling its recruitment ambitions and allowing forces the ability to retain talented officers.”

PFEW Deputy National Chair Tiffany Lynch added: “Police officers look up to their chiefs not just for commendation for the outstanding work they do day in and day out but also for support when they are struggling.

“This is exactly what Sir Mark Rowley is doing and it’s encouraging; now other chief officers should do the same.

“If Police and Crime Commissioners can call on local citizens to pay a higher tax levy for local policing, I think it is only right that they call on the national Government for an inflation-based pay award for their officers.

“As rank and file officers we also want to be supported and vindicated by our leaders in our legitimate fight for fair pay and working conditions.”