Bumper pay rise for police is the biggest for 20 years
● All Scottish officers set to receive an immediate 6.5% hike in salary
Police officers are to receive an immediate 6.5 per cent pay increase – their biggest rise in more than 20 years.
The deal, which will cost £125 million over the next three years, was announced following negotiations between the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and staff associations.
It means a mid-point police constable will receive a salary rise of £2,300, the equivalent of an additional £6,000 in pay over the length of the deal, which applies until the end of March 2021.
A range of public sector workers are currently negotiating pay awards with the Scottish Government following the removal of the 1 per cent cap.
The Scottish Police Authority (SPA), which manages the £1.1 billion annual police budget, said the pay award was part of a strategic investment in policing, which was consistent with efforts to balance the books.
Susan Deacon, chairwoman of the SPA, said: “I am pleased that through constructive dialogue we have reached agreement on an investment in pay that recognises the significant and valuable work that our police officers do in keeping the people of Scotland safe.
“Police officers represent a substantial portion of the police workforce and budget. This deal over a 31-month period provides both individuals and policing with certainty as we plan and implement the further transformation of policing to meet the needs of a changing Scotland.”
She added: “I am also mindful of the importance of the work which is under way with the trade unions to modernise pay, reward and conditions of all police staff. I am delighted that positive progress is also being made in this area.”
Last year the national force warned
it could be forced to dramatically reduce officer numbers to meet the “significant cost pressure” associated with scrapping the public sector pay cap.
The force said increasing salaries by just 2 per cent would require £26 million of savings to be found – the equivalent of 600 officers.
In addition to an immediate pay award, the agreement will also address issues of inequality and anomalies in relation to pay progression.
It also contains a commitment to resolve working practices in relation to court and night shift, and offers financial stability and certainty over the period.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “The pay award represents a significant and deserved outcome for police officers.
“I’m also pleased that progress is being made in negotiations on harmonising pay and reward for police staff.
“Every single day, our hardworking officers and staff are keeping people safe and demonstrating the highest levels of leadership and public service.
“They’ve done this consistently since the creation of Police Scotland, clearly showing that they are our most valued asset, so it’s only right that their dedication and commitment is recognised appropriately.”
Earlier this month Scottish teachers rejected a 3 per cent pay deal, describing it as “derisory”.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the country’s largest teaching union, has called for a 10 per cent increase.
Last month, nurses, midwives and paramedics agreed a deal which will see them receive a minimum pay rise of 9 per cent over three years.
In an update to his members, Calum Steele, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), said the pay deal was biggest uplift in police pay for more than 20 years.
He said: “These negotiations have been protracted and on occasions challenging. For all that, it is important to note that agreement could not have been reached without the commitment of all parties.
“Whilst none of us wished 1 September to come and go with the issue of pay unresolved, you will know the increases are back-dated to 1 September and I hope you will agree with me that the outcome was worth the delay and effort.”
Justice secretary Humza Yousaf said: “This strong deal for Scotland’s police officers is an important recognition of the vital work they do to support safer, stronger communities.
“It also reflects the positive relations between police officers and employers in Scotland where we have retained collective pay bargaining.
“The Scottish Government has worked closely with the SPA and Police Scotland to finalise this two-and-a-half year deal which puts more cash into officers’ pockets while giving them and their families’ certainty.”