Wiltshire Police Federation calls for pay increase for staff amid cost of living crisis
Police ‘truly suffering’ and need ‘huge’ pay rise
Last updated 24th May 2022
The Wiltshire Police Federation has called for “a huge hike” in the pay of its staff, amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Nationally the federation has launched the #PayOurPolice campaign, saying police pay has fallen twenty per cent behind the cost of living over the past decade.
The campaign is highlighting how some serving police officers are using food banks, struggling to put the heating on at home or being unable to afford the fuel to get to work – and how some police officers are even having to sofa surf as they can’t afford a place to stay.
The federation wants to see a pay rise for officers in 2022 to at least ensure officers do not fall any further behind inflation.
Phil Matthews, chairman of Wiltshire Police Federation, said:
“All we are asking for is fairness. The Government have already shown their complete lack of respect for police officers and it’s time for this to change. Police Officers do a dangerous and unique job that needs fair recognition in our pay.
“With the constant cuts we have endured, Police Officers are truly suffering financially. How does this Government expect police officers to carry out fair and honest policing while they are suffering financial strain and massive losses due to the constant attacks on policing and police pay.”
Mr Matthews is asking MPs and politicians to “stop and think for just a moment” what losing nearly 20 per cent of their pay would feel like, as well as “what it would feel like to feel undervalued and constantly attacked”.
He added:
“All I ask is fair pay. I do not seek unreasonably high pay but only what is fair.
“Police officers are leaving policing because they can’t afford it. The basic rate of a new police officer brings home less than £1,400 per month. Would our ministers and politicians live on that with increasing national insurance, fuel prices that are increasing dramatically? I doubt it.
“Enough is enough, it’s time to stop using police as the obvious choice for pay attacks. Treat our Police Officers fairly and pay them what they are worth. I cannot help but wonder if the lack of ability to take industrial action is what spurs our Government on to choose policing to attack first.”