PSA National Secretary Warren Franklin has commented following the announcement of a 4.2% pay award for Police:

“We welcome today’s pay settlement for policing, following the sustained de-valuing of the police service in recent months and years. It is far higher than the low increase recommended by the government and is close to the 4.8% increase we recommended in this year’s PRRB submission, for all ranks.

“We also specifically asked that any pay award is centrally funded, ensuring forces will not have to find the money amidst ongoing budget constraints. This has happened, and is absolutely crucial in supporting forces throughout the ongoing funding crisis. Too many forces are being forced to make widespread cuts, reducing their headcounts, and urgent action is required to stop this.

“Whilst police pay remains far below what it was in 2010 in real terms, this is a positive step forward, and we hope it is the beginning of a period in which policing will be rightly recognised and valued for its critical role in society.

“Looking ahead, we hope that the government will now commit to a wider, long-term funding strategy that recognises the unique and vital role of our service and that enables forces to deliver on the ambitious targets set out by government.”

More information on the pay award can be found here.