Police Federation Slams Zero Pay Rise, Demands Respect and Fair Deal
The Police Federation has slammed the Government’s 0% pay award for police officers in 2021. In a fiery letter personally delivered to Downing Street by PFEW Chairman John Apter, the Federation called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak to ditch empty platitudes and back their officers with a proper pay rise.
Three Tough Demands from Police Federation
- Stop taking police officers for granted and treat them with respect.
- Agree to work with the Police Federation on a fairer, new system for pay decisions.
- Reverse the 0% pay rise and deliver a meaningful increase for officers now.
John Apter hit out: “These are fair and reasonable requests that could rebuild trust between the Government and police. It’s time to support and protect those who protect the public.”
More Than Just Money: The Real Grievances Behind the Pay Row
Apter made it clear this isn’t just about cash. “The zero pay rise was the final straw after all police have endured during the pandemic. We worked without proper PPE, faced confusing Covid rules we had to enforce, and suffered abuse and attacks due to mixed messaging from the Government.”
He added: “Despite promises, officers were not given early vaccine priority. Warm words from Ministers mean nothing without follow-through. Just this week, we learned of a new ‘Beating Crime Plan’ through a newspaper, not from proper consultation.”
Fed-Up Police Demand an End to Gimmicks and Underfunding
“Police officers are sick of gimmicks, sick of being underfunded, and sick of Government contempt,” said Apter. “It’s time for a total reset of police-government relations — no more empty words, we need serious investment and respect now.”
