Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry has stepped into battle over the decision not to award police officers a pay increase this year (21/22).
The Commissioner, who has already held urgent discussions with the Chair of Nottinghamshire’s Police Federation Mark Petrovic following the announcement, said she was extremely disappointed that Nottinghamshire’s hardworking officers were, in effect, being asked to take a pay cut – when inflation is taken in to account.
“Officers feel undervalued by the pay ‘pause’,” she said. “That is not right. These are the people who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep us safe. They could not work from home, their job is out there in communities, where all too often they were abused and assaulted for their efforts.
“I wanted to let the Federation know that I understand the officers’ anger on this, and I think it’s important that they know I am in their corner, fighting for a just pay reward for them. I am not going to stand-by and say nothing.”
Commissioner Henry was instrumental in persuading the national Association of Police and Crime Commissioners to write a powerful letter to the Home Secretary expressing their concerns yesterday.
“I feel really strongly that police officers and staff should receive a pay rise,” she added. “I know that the nation’s financial position is challenging, but I do not believe that hardworking committed police officers should be financially penalised.
“I hope that the Government will relent on its position. I totally support the calls for a rethink and I will work with my fellow police and crime commissioners, the chief constable and the Federation to see what options we can realistically explore.”
Ends
Background information
Police officers earning more than £24,000 will be subject to a public sector pay freeze. However, those earning less will be given an annual rise of £250.
Media enquiries: Sallie Blair 01283 821012
Posted on Friday 23rd July 2021