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Autumn of police discontent looms for government
"I wanted to remain optimistic but sadly the Home Office and Treasury want to bully the police service into taking a real term pay cut and impose less than they are paying themselves."
Jan Berry, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, and chairman of the Staff Side of the Police Negotiating Board.
We are outraged, yet sadly not surprised, that despite recent government praise for the strength and courage shown by officers battling foot and mouth, floods and terrorism they have shown their gratitude is little more than lip service and have failed to award a fair pay settlement for the UK’s 170,000 police officers.
Today, 15th August 2007, representatives of the Staff Side and Official Side of the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) met in London to undertake conciliation talks and, for the second year running, met interference from the Home Office and have failed to reach agreement. The talks followed the ‘failure to agree’ registered on 27th July, 2007, when Staff Side submitted a claim for a 3.94% for all ranks up to and including chief inspector to come into effect from 1st September. The matter will now be referred to the independent Police Arbitration Tribunal, and we await a date for this.
This is not just about pay; it is about the principle of a fair pay arrangement to reflect the unique employment status and rights of police officers in the UK. Outlined below is further information about Arbitration, what it is, and how it works.
Federation Action
- Staff Side will be working hard to prepare a solid and fair case for the Police Arbitration Tribunal (dates to be confirmed)
- To continue the lobby of MPs locally and nationally raising the issue at all opportune events/meetings.
- Pressing the Official Side to agree the terms of reference of Arbitration to expedite resolution
- We will be exploring by consultation all possible options for the future
For more details, ongoing Fair Pay for Police campaign work and updates visit the Police Federation http://www.polfed.org website.
Background info – Arbitration
- Police Officers are prohibited by statute from the right to strike; it is a criminal offence to take strike action. Under the PNB constitution matters where no resolution can be reached at conciliation, can be referred by either side to arbitration (this excludes pensions)
- Arbitration will be undertaken by the Police Arbitration Tribunal – which operates under the auspices of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) - where the Staff Side and the Official Side will have the opportunity of making submissions.
- Arbiters are appointed by the Prime Minister
- Terms of reference are agreed by both sides prior to the Police Arbitration Tribunal. If both sides cannot agree terms of reference, they may call upon ACAS to assist
