Chief Constable's response to Police Remuneration Review Body's pay submission

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy has responded to the Police Remuneration Review Body’s pay submission for this year.
 
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “We all know that working for the police carries unique challenges, with the psychological and physical requirements of many roles simply not experienced in any other sectors across the UK.
 
“I also know the recent Pay and Morale Survey made it very clear that pay is a significant factor in the morale of the officers and staff who perform those roles day in, day out.
 
“87% of officers in Merseyside feel financially worse off than they were five years ago, and I know that the impact is the same on police staff colleagues.
 
“I accept that the 7% pay rise in 2023 for both officers and staff made some inroads into the real terms pay cut of 16% that we have seen over the last 12 years. But there is much more to be done to ensure the pay of officers and staff is fair and keeps apace with other comparable employers, as well as enabling us to retain a well-motivated and skilled workforce and attract the very best employees.
 
“I am pleased to see the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has requested an above inflation pay rise of 6% from September 2024, to reflect the inflationary pressures in the past year, to further overturn historic pay degradation and to recognise the extraordinary duties and restrictions placed on police officers. 
 
“In addition, they are engaged in important discussions about reducing the impact pension contributions have on take-home pay,
 
“Whatever the results of these discussions, here in Merseyside I am committed to doing everything I can to maintain the high level of service that the public in Merseyside expect, and to ensure our officers and staff are fairly rewarded for the incredible work they do to keep the people of Merseyside safe.”