Police Scotland protest avoided after officer pay deal agreed

A pay deal for police officers in Scotland has been agreed the day before a planned protest outside Holyrood.

It will see a 7% increase to pay and allowances for all officers which will be backdated to April 1, 2023.

The Scottish Police Authority, the Scottish Government body that oversees the force, confirmed the agreement on Tuesday afternoon.

Officers were due to protest outside the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday for the first time in history.

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.”

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 from next year.

Police Scotland’s 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 Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for justice and home affairs said, thanked those involved in negotiations for working to achieve the deal

“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,” she said.

“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 £11.6bn since the creation of Police Scotland in 2013.”