,
Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, has called on to “listen and change course” over the decision to
award police officers a zero percent pay offer.
The call on the Home Secretary comes as senior policing figures
from across the country have publicly raised concerns about this
year's pay settlement. They include the Chief Constable of Essex
- Priti Patel’s own force area, Martin Hewitt, Chair of the
National Police Chiefs Council, the Conservative Police and Crime
Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight - , the Policing Minister’s own area, and the current
Interim Chief Executive Officer of the College of Policing.
This comes after the rare announcement that the Police Federation
have lost confidence in the Home Secretary.
,
Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, said:
“The pressure is now overwhelming for the Home Secretary to
listen and change course on the disastrous and insulting decision
to award our police with a zero percent pay award.
“If the Home Secretary would show even a fraction of the bravery
we see from so many police officers, she would stand up for them
around the Cabinet table and secure a fair pay deal. Yet instead
we see a Conservative Government that has let down our police and
lost their confidence.”
Ends
Notes to editors
Chief Constable in Essex, BJ Harrington: - “Disappointing to hear
about pay freeze for officers when every day they run into the
face of danger & work tirelessly to protect the public. I
welcome growth & support for policing & understand
financial pressures but we must ensure our people get what they
deserve.” - link
Martin Hewitt, Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council: “The
pay freeze for police officers is a hard pill to swallow when
they have given so much in the pandemic. We are calling on
ministers to ensure fair, funded pay increases from 2022 that
properly recognise their contribution to society”. - link
Conservative PCC for Hampshire and Isle of White, :
“Extremely disappointed with the 0% pay increase for @HantsPolice
Officers. The last year has been gruelling & the Police have
been in the thick of it! I spoke to the Chief @OPinkney and
@hantsfedchair @Hantspolfed first thing this morning. I am
preparing my response to Gov now!!” - link
Interim CEO of the College of Policing, Bernie O’Reilly:
“Colleagues are bitterly disappointed with the pay freeze. The
bottom line is they want to feel valued and be treated fairly.
They kept everyone safe before and during the pandemic. The
incredible job they do day in, day out should be recognised and
rewarded.” - link
Chief Constable in Cumbria, Michelle Skeer: “Agree [with Martin
Hewitt]. Really difficult for police officers who have worked
extremely hard and continue to do so . We need a better
settlement going forward to recognise that professionalism and
commitment” - link
Chief Constable in Surrey, Gavin Stephens: “Colleagues have done
extraordinary work during the pandemic & in real terms
officer pay is behind where it was a decade ago. It is critical
that we reward & retain experienced officers & thousands
of new recruits with pay that allows a good standard of living.”
- link
Chief Constable in Humberside, Lee Freeman: “A wholly
unsatisfactory situation for officers & staff. There needs to
be change. The next spending review offers the opportunity for
funded awards to recognise our officers & staff contributions
(which remain remarkable)” -link
Chief Constable in Northamptonshire, Nick Adderley: “The
announcement today of a 0% pay increase for police officers is
quite frankly an insult and wholly unacceptable. Pay aside, this
indicates a complete lack of awareness, appreciation or
recognition for the incredible work officers have done throughout
this pandemic.” - link
