Police officers in Scotland get 6.5% pay rise

Police Officers in Scotland have been awarded a 6.5 per cent pay rise, it has been announced.

Overall the pay rise is the biggest one for police officers in 20 years, according to the Scottish Police Federation.

The Scottish Police Authority confirmed the uplift will be backdated to 1 September and apply until 2021 ahead of its monthly board meeting in Stirling.

All officers below the rank of Assistant Chief Constable are due to get a payrise, with some anomalies in pay progression to be addressed by the new award.

Last year the SPA warned a pay rise would impact on Police Scotland's core budget, but since its leadership has changed with the appointment of former MSP Susan Deacon as chair.

Deacon said: "I am pleased that through constructive dialogue we have reached agreement on an investment in pay that recognises the significant and valuable work that our police officers do in keeping the people of Scotland safe.

"Police officers represent a substantial portion of the police workforce and budget.

"This deal over a 31-month period provides both individuals and policing with certainty as we plan and implement the further transformation of policing to meet the needs of a changing Scotland."

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: "The pay award represents a significant and deserved outcome for police officers.

"Every single day, our hard-working officers and staff are keeping people safe and demonstrating the highest levels of leadership and public service.

"They've done this consistently since the creation of Police Scotland, clearly showing that they are our most valued asset, so it's only right that their dedication and commitment is recognised appropriately."

Calum Steele, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said: "It is worth noting that even allowing for the extended period of this pay award, this represents the greatest uplift to police pay for over 20 years and the value of immediate payment on pay and pension as opposed to an extended year deal cannot be ignored."