Police officers in Scotland to withdraw goodwill policing in dispute over pay

Police officers in Scotland are to withdraw their goodwill in an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.

The Scottish Police Federation, the body that represents rank and file officers, said all federated staff will take part from 5pm on Friday.

Law does not allow police officers to take industrial action under any circumstances, even in disputes over pay and conditions.

As a result, police officers will take action short of striking or working to rule.

This includes finishing shifts at the rostered time, not begining shifts early and not taking police PPE home with them regardless of where their next shift is due to begin.

Officers will also not take items such as police radios home to charge, at a cost to themselves.

The move has been taken amid an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions, which the SPF claim amounts to “free policing hours” which is taken for granted.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “Our officers work tirelessly every day to keep people safe across the country and it is right that their public service is recognised and rewarded.

“We know the impact that a situation like this has on our people, but are confident they will continue to demonstrate the highest levels of commitment to communities across Scotland.

“We remain absolutely committed to further discussions with the staff side as the pay claim is progressed through the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland.”