Police Federation trusts Home Secretary will bring resolution to the pay crisis and honour the decision of the independent Police Arbitration Panel.

On the day the Home Secretary, John Reid, faces questions from MPs about the UK police pay crisis the Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales has called upon Mr Reid to give an assurance to the 170,000 UK police officers that he will respect and honour the decision of the independent Police Arbitration Panel when they deliver their recommendation in the coming weeks.

To coincide with the questions to the Home Secretary today, and the tabling of an Early Day Motion (EDM) by Edward O'Hara MP, George Howarth MP and Joe Benton MP, the Police Federation of England and Wales has delivered a briefing to all MPs calling on them to show their support and sign the EDM on Police Pay Negotiations.

Police Federation of England and Wales Chairman, Jan Berry, says:

“It is beyond belief that with growing numbers of police officers being assaulted and fearing for their lives against the blade, the gun and terrorist attacks, we find ourselves for the first time in 27 years with our annual pay arrangement not being honoured. We’re not being greedy, as we are not asking for any more than other groups of workers got a year ago. Also, our pay arrangement reflects the unique status of police officers; we are accountable for our actions both on and off duty and we cannot take industrial action. “

On 18th October the independent Police Arbitration Panel met to consider submissions from both the Staff Side and Official Side of the Police Negotiating Board (PNB). The decision of the panel is binding on both sides of PNB and then goes to the Home Secretary for ratification.

Calling on the Home Secretary Mrs Berry adds:

“Together with our colleagues of all ranks throughout the UK, we took this to an independent police arbitration panel who will give their verdict in the coming weeks. We accept their ruling is binding on us. Today you have the opportunity to give us an assurance that you will honour their independent judgment. So, come on Mr Reid, don’t just tell us you respect us, show us you do and assure us you will honour the decision.”