Police Federation of England and Wales secures 3 year pay deal for Police Officers
Wednesday, 15 October, 2008
Paul McKeever, Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, says:
Today's announcement (15th October) is a success; not only to ensure that police officers get the best deal possible over the coming years but also to ensure the survival of the Police Negotiating Board.
"In the current gloomy economic climate this is a very good deal for UK police officers and the best multi-year settlement secured in the public sector. It offers stability and reassurance for the next three years, an annual pay increase on time and in full with the opportunity to get back round the table to renegotiate during the three-year period should there be a marked change in the economic conditions and an impact on police officer recruitment and retention.
"The Home Secretary has also agreed that for the period of the settlement she will be bound by a decision of the Police Arbitration Tribunal if they determine that the re-opening criteria has been met, which would provide an opportunity for the Staff Side and Official Side of PNB to renegotiate the pay deal.
"Today's announcement also ensures the existence of the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) for future years as the Home Secretary has given an assurance that she will, with immediate effect, end the consultation process for a Police Officers' Pay Review Body and that the government will not take steps to legislate for the introduction of a police pay review body during the lifetime of this Parliament. This allows PNB the opportunity to demonstrate that it can work effectively rather than facing the immediate uncertainty of a pay review body
