MP's calls on Government to honour police pay decision

11.06.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 22nd Jan 2008

Stockport MPs Andrew Stunell and Mark Hunter will meet this week with representatives from Greater Manchester Police to offer support over the Government's fudging of police pay.

The Home Secretary's decision to refuse an extra 0.6% pay rise for the police has come despite a ruling by the independent Police Arbitration Tribunal and will mean that police pay will actually fall in real terms.

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"The Government's behaviour over this issue has been deceitful and underhand. Why go through the pretence of consulting the Police Arbitration Tribunal if the outcome has already been decided?

"The pay deal recommended is fair, and properly rewards the brave, hardworking people who face tremendous personal risks providing a public service. We should give our police the respect that they deserve."

Cheadle MP, Mark Hunter said:

"This situation needs to be solved and soon. The Government should stand by the ruling of the Police Arbitration Tribunal and give our police forces the pay rise they deserve.

"Our police men and women are tremendously hard working and often put their lives on the line for the sake of public order and safety. They commit themselves to making our local communities a safer place. The Government has let them done and through them the public at large."

END

Note to Editors

1. Andrew Stunell and Mark Hunter have signed the following EDMs in support of Greater Manchester Police:

EDM 512

That this House is disappointed by the failure of the Government to accept in full the recommendations of the Police Arbitration Tribunal police pay award; believes that the pay settlement should be backdated to 1st September; notes that the police are the front line in the fight against organised crime, terrorism and anti-social behaviour; recognises that their work puts them at great personal risk; further believes that this dispute over 0.6 per cent. difference is petty and needless; and calls upon the Government to reconsider its decision.

EDM 527

That this House calls upon the Government to honour the pay award recommended by the Police Arbitration Board in full.

EDM 538

That this House notes the excellent job performed by police officers throughout the North West of England; recognises the diverse nature of policing throughout the United Kingdom and the North West, ranging from the major cities of Manchester and Liverpool to rural areas in Lancashire and Cumbria; expresses grave concern at the decision taken by the Home Office to award a pay rise from December 2007 which in effect leaves police officers with a rise of 1.9 per cent.; believes that the 2.5 per cent. pay increase agreed by the arbitration panel is thoroughly deserved by police officers; and calls on the Home Secretary to overturn her current policy and honour the agreement reached by the arbitration panel by backdating the increase to September in order to ensure that police officers are given the reward and respect that they deserve.