Hertfordshire police boss 'bitterly disappointed' with Government's pay deal

Chief Constable Andy Prophet said he was “bitterly disappointed’ 3.5 per cent pay award for police officers of all ranks which will come into effect in September.

Hertfordshire’s chief has noted that independent bodies recommended a higher rise for police officers across the country.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “This is the highest award that is manageable within existing police force and Home Office budgets, while enabling the continued delivery of the Government’s crime and policing priorities.”

However, Hertfordshire’s chief is calling for a better deal, he said: “Police officers and staff deserve the very best levels of pay for the difficult and, at times dangerous, work they do. The purpose of independent pay review bodies is to make impartial, professional recommendations about levels of pay to government based on the evidence they receive.

“Without the right to take industrial action, police officers must have confidence that these independent mechanisms will be listened to by government when determining pay. This latest offer falls short of expectations and in some cases will generate genuine financial hardship which I find really worrying at a time when the cost of living is soaring.”

“I know police officers of all ranks will, like me, be bitterly disappointed the government decided not to honour the independent recommendation on pay. The body representing all Chief Constables nationally will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Home Secretary to share views and generate a wider debate about fair pay and conditions across all police ranks and grades.”