Police officers in Scotland are expressing growing frustration over the ongoing pay dispute, with many feeling they are being “treated with contempt” by the Scottish Government.
The SPF had submitted a claim for a 5.7% pay increase for 2024/25 as early as May this year. However, five months later, the ‘official side’, comprising Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), and the Scottish Government, has yet to respond with a formal offer. This delay is causing significant unrest within the force, with officers feeling undervalued and sidelined despite their essential role in maintaining public safety.
The Scottish Government, the SPA, and Police Scotland have collectively “let the service down. Police officers are the “backbone of the public sector” and are often called upon to handle responsibilities that other services do not. Despite this, their contribution is not being acknowledged adequately.
What is keeping the police service afloat isn’t policy or procedure. What is keeping it afloat are the people who work for the service, the cops.
Police officers in Scotland face the unique challenge of being unable to strike legally. However, there is the possibility of other actions that could be taken to express dissatisfaction, such as the withdrawal of ‘goodwill.’ This could involve refusing to work late shifts or declining to take on extra unpaid responsibilities, actions that would likely put additional strain on an already overstretched force.
While the Scottish Government has stated that the current pay claim is being progressed according to “normal practice,” the delay is fuelling widespread discontent within the force. The SPF is now evaluating its next steps.
The continued standoff highlights the broader issue of how public sector workers, particularly those in essential services like the police, are compensated for their efforts. As the cost of living rises and officers face increasingly complex challenges in their line of duty, the question of fair pay is more pressing than ever.
We are adamant that police officers deserve respect, fairness, and a pay deal that reflects their hard work and the critical role they play in society. As negotiations drag on, the spotlight is on the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to act swiftly before the morale of Scotland’s police force is further eroded.
With the stakes high and officers feeling undervalued, all eyes are now on the next move from both sides of the negotiating table. A solution that acknowledges the unique role police officers play in public safety and provides them with the respect and remuneration they deserve is urgently needed.