The 2.5 per cent pay award for officers is a ‘positive first step’ towards repairing the damage years of austerity caused to police salaries.
That is the view of Dyfed Powys Police Federation secretary Roger Webb.
“The 2.5 per cent pay rise announced by the Government on Tuesday is welcomed, particularly given the financial pressures the country faces at the moment,” said Roger.
“It’s a positive first step but we have to be clear that there’s still a long way to go before officers’ salaries will get back to where they should be.
“Officers have actually seen their pay reduced by 18 per cent in real terms during the austerity years. They do a unique, and at times dangerous, job and their hard work and dedication has never been more evident than during the ongoing pandemic.
“They’ve faced risks to their own health to serve their communities and protect the vulnerable, and we’ll continue to fight for the more substantial pay increases our members deserve once the economy allows.”
Roger welcomed the fact the Government had accepted in full the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PPRB).
“It’s positive to see the Government abiding by proper process and accepting all the recommendations of the PRRB,” he said. “This hasn’t always been the case and this served to undermine the pay review process.”
Roger’s comments were echoed by John Apter, the national chair of the Police Federation.
He said: “In the current financial climate with so much uncertainty, the fact the Government has fully accepted the recommendations of the PRRB will come as a relief.
“The 2.5 per cent increase in pay across all ranks is a step in the right direction and, whilst it is less than we asked for, will be broadly welcomed against a backdrop of financial pressures on the economy.
“Do my colleagues deserve more? Absolutely, and the Government must go further to pay officers fairly for the unique and dangerous job they do.  
“However, with the economic vulnerability we face as a country, many colleagues will be relieved to receive a 2.5 per cent pay increase - anything lower would have been completely unacceptable.”
The wage rise, which applies across all ranks and comes into effect from 1 September 2020, will mean a constable will receive an extra £1,100, taking into account salary plus allowances, of pensionable salary a year.
The Government also announced: 
In February, the Police Federation and the Police Superintendents’ Association made a joint submission to the PRRB and called for a five per cent pay rise across the ranks.