UK Police Federation Set for Historic Vote on Industrial Rights
The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is gearing up for a landmark ballot that could transform policing in the UK. The big question: Should officers get industrial rights to tackle years of pay injustice?
Police Fed Targets Fair Pay Battle
Gemma Fox, PFEW’s Deputy National Secretary, says police pay has been shrinking for years. Officers suffer under a pay review system that’s anything but fair or independent. She points out that the unique demands and limits of policing make a proper pay system vital.
What the Vote Means: The Two-Step Plan
The PFEW’s plan starts with asking members if they want collective bargaining rights and binding arbitration restored. If that passes or if no other options work, they’ll explore pushing for more industrial rights — including the right to strike.
Long-Standing Hurdles and a Rocky History
Deputy National Chair Tiff Lynch highlights deep legal and historical barriers going back to 1919. Despite this, the federation feels a strong urgency, driven by officers’ frustrations with the current pay setup.
Why the Pay Review System Fails Officers
The Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) is at the heart of the problem. The PFEW blasts its lack of independence, since the Home Office controls its makeup and the Home Secretary sets its rules. PRRB recommendations don’t have legal force, leaving officers stuck in limbo without government accountability.
How UK Police Compare to Europe
Like many European countries, police in England and Wales have no real industrial rights. Research from the Social Market Foundation shows this harms officers’ pay compared to other protective services.
Calling Out the Government
For years, the PFEW has urged the government to recognise police risks and pay fairly. They warn that without a pay review system that listens to officers, problems will persist.
The Crucial Ballot: A Potential Game-Changer
The upcoming vote by the PFEW’s National Board and Council could reshape police labour relations nationwide. A simple majority could open the door to new industrial rights — including strike action — sparking a new chapter in police pay and rights in England and Wales.
