A 7% increase to pay and allowances has been agreed for all police officers in Scotland which will be backdated to 1 April 2023.
The agreement recognises the valuable contribution police officers make keeping people and communities across Scotland safe. It is also cognisant of the current economic climate and seeks to recognise the fact that officers are unable to take industrial action.
This agreement ensures a cumulative 12.35% increase in police officer pay since 1 April 2022 which mirrors wage growth for the fire service and teachers.
The agreement also includes a commitment to commission an independent review to look at police officer pay and benefits, recognising the unique role of police officers in society as well as looking at potential approaches to ensure appropriate wage growth within policing from 2025/26.
The agreement was reached following extensive dialogue and negotiation through the Police Negotiating Board (PNB). The PNB is made up of representatives from the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland, the Scottish Government, the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS), Scottish Police Federation (SPF) and the Scottish Chief Police Officers Staff Association (SCPOSA).
Martyn Evans, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority, said:
“This is a challenging financial climate for policing and difficult choices are being taken to ensure we stay within the budget. Despite this, I am pleased we have now reached an agreement which recognises the valuable contribution of our police officers and the unique set of duties and requirements placed upon them. I am grateful to the Staff Side for their constructive dialogue.”
Deputy Chief Constable Designate Fiona Taylor said:
"I am extremely grateful to our officers for their professionalism, commitment to keeping people safe and the goodwill they demonstrate every day.
“Recognising and rewarding the hard work of officers is vital and I thank everyone who has contributed to reaching this agreement.”
Angela Constance, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs said:
“I want to thank all those involved for working in good faith to achieve this agreement. Our police officers perform an essential role keeping Scotland’s communities safe and this fair pay deal recognises the hard work and valuable contribution they make daily as well as this Government’s commitment to investing in policing.
“Police Scotland is a vital service, which is why, despite difficult financial circumstances due to UK Government austerity, we have increased police funding year-on-year since 2016-17, investing more than £11.6 billion since the creation of Police Scotland in 2013.”
The full details of the agreement are detailed in a PNB Circular which will be published by the Scottish Government in the coming days.
The Official Side offer and Staff Side response is available from the Scottish Police Federations website at: JCC Circular 28 of 2023 - Police Pay 2023 - Scottish Police Federation (spf.org.uk)
Negotiations with the Trade Unions on a pay deal for police staff are nearing a conclusion and a separate communication will be issued in due course.