Police Scotland agree 5% pay deal including introduction of paternal leave for first time

Police Scotland staff will receive a blanket 5% pay increase backdated to April last year after discussions between the force and union chiefs.

Officers and workers across all salary bands will see their pay packets rise, while shift allowances will also jump by 5%.

Parental leave is to be introduced, in what the union described as a “significant improvement” on previous terms.

It comes after months of negotiations between the force and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).

SPA chairman, Martyn Evans, said: “I am pleased we have reached an agreement following constructive dialogue with the trade unions.

“Our staff make an essential and valuable contribution to the delivery of policing across Scotland and we are very grateful to them for that.”

The deal sees the introduction of a “dog transfer allowance” of £1,239 per annum for the movement of force service animals in a person’s own vehicle.

Parental leave will apply for the first time for each child born on and following 1 April 2022, 4 weeks paid parental leave and 14 weeks unpaid parental leave – per child – to be taken in line with current policy provisions.

The force will also maintain its policy of no compulsory redundancies.

Chief constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM said: “Police staff work day in, day out, to support a shared mission of public service and it is right their commitment is recognised and rewarded.

“I thank everyone who worked to reach this agreement, particularly when staff are concerned about the cost of living crisis and its impact on them and their families.”