‘Palpable anger’ among police officers over ‘zero’ pay rise
There is “palpable anger” within police ranks after it was confirmed they would effectively get a ‘zero per cent’ pay increase this year, the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) has said.
It says the decision means that police officers in Northern Ireland have seen salary levels eroded by in excess of 20 per cent over the past ten years.
PFNI chair Mark Lindsay said the pay process has left “thousands of police officers trailing badly behind”.
“At a time when inflation is rampant, this news from the Justice Minister means, in effect, a pay cut right now at the exact same rate as inflation, which is currently running at 7.4 per cent,” he said.
“Officers are justifiably angry and feel let down. They have worked tirelessly at the sharp end during the Covid pandemic and it’s only through their efforts that the terrorist threat level has been reduced.
“To treat our men and women in this manner is disrespectful and has failed to recognise any of the hard work and risks they have taken over the past year on a daily basis.”
Mr Lindsay said the decline in “real terms” in police pay is causing “serious challenges” for police families where difficult financial choices are having to be made.
He added: “Officers are consistently asked to do more to safeguard our community and support other failing public services. Do more, and take more risks, but get paid less is not a sensible route for the Government or this devolved administration.
“Officers are leaving in greater number for less stressful and more rewarding occupations. Occupations where they are not assaulted and castigated on a daily basis. We will continue to lose experienced people which, in turn, will leave worrying gaps in the service that is provided.
“We’re heading into an Assembly Election and it is a matter of deep regret that police pay is not a key priority for parties. Officers and their families are also voters but that fact seems to be conveniently overlooked.”