Police officers reject pay deal from Scottish Government and warn dispute 'could escalate'

Police officers in Scotland have rejected a revised pay offer following the latest round of negotiations with the Scottish Government.

Officers represented by the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said that it was an “unanimous” decision and have warned that the dispute will escalate if they do not receive an improved offer by August 5.

They wrote: “The staff side of the PNB (Police Negotiating Board) met earlier this afternoon and unanimously agreed to reject the revised offer from the Official Side.

“The offer continues to fail to recognise the unique role of the police offer and is significantly lower than offered in other sectors.

“Separately, the SPF has advised the office side that unless a further improved offer is received by Friday, August 5, that the actions of our members in response to this continued dispute will escalate.

“Police officers should not be in a position where the government values police officers less than other sectors and workers.

“The unique role of the police officer should always be reflected in any pay offer. This revised offer, like it’s predecessor, fails to do so.”

It comes after the Scottish Police Federation’s joint central committee rejected a deal last month, branding a blanket wage increase of 1.4% for most officers and 2% for new recruits “derisory”.

Officers were offered a flat £565 pay increase for all ranks for 2022 prior to the joint central committee meeting in Inverness.

The SPF lambasted a “continued failure” of the PNB to return to talks over the dispute.

The group, which represents officers in all ranks from probationers to chief inspectors, said it wanted the offered rise to increase to 3.4%.