Police Scotland officers are set to take their frustration to the streets of Glasgow this Thursday as more than 100 officers gather to protest over pay. The protest, scheduled to take place outside the Merchants’ House of Glasgow near George Square, comes amid tense negotiations between the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), Police Scotland, the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Police Authority.
The ongoing pay dispute has reached a breaking point, with officers feeling increasingly alienated by the lack of a fair pay increase. The protest, expected to run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., marks a dramatic escalation in the police’s efforts to secure a more adequate pay settlement.
Pay Dispute Reaches a Crisis Point
The roots of the protest lie in the ongoing pay talks that have been described as being at a “crisis point.” Earlier this year, the SPF submitted a pay claim for a 5.5% increase for the year 2024/25. This request was in line with what was awarded to NHS workers, a move seen as necessary to help offset inflation and rising living costs.
However, the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland, which includes representatives from the Scottish Government, rejected the request and instead proposed a 4.75% increase. This offer has been seen as insufficient by the SPF, who argue that police officers are facing increasing pressures with little recognition of their hard work.
David Kennedy, the general secretary of the SPF, emphasized the sense of frustration among the officers. He noted that officers had been “left with no choice” but to protest in response to the lack of progress in negotiations. “The anger is palpable,” Kennedy said, warning that unless conditions improve, there may soon not be enough officers to maintain public safety.
The Strain of the Job and Rising Resignations
The situation has been exacerbated by a combination of low pay and mounting job demands. Kennedy pointed out that many officers are struggling to make ends meet in light of high inflation and soaring energy prices. He compared the situation to other sectors, noting that, unlike doctors, council workers, and train drivers, police officers cannot strike or engage in industrial action, leaving them with limited means to pressure the government into action.
The SPF argues that the responsibilities of police officers have grown significantly in recent years, with increasing violent attacks on officers and the need to deal with a range of issues arising from overstretched public services, including mental health crises. At the same time, pay has not kept pace with other public sector roles, particularly since the withdrawal of the previous pay mechanism in 2006.
This disparity has led to a sharp rise in officer resignations. According to Kennedy, dozens of officers are leaving the force every month, unable to cope with the demands of the job and the lure of better pay in other sectors. “Soon, there will simply not be enough serving officers to keep the public safe,” he warned.
Staff Survey Highlights Low Morale and High Turnover
A recent survey conducted by Police Scotland further underscores the dire situation. The survey revealed that 70% of police workers would not recommend working for the force, citing issues such as reduced staffing levels, poor infrastructure, and lack of essential equipment. These challenges have contributed to declining morale among officers, making it more difficult to retain staff.
The survey also highlighted how officers are often called upon to handle issues stemming from the overstretched NHS and other public services. As resources become scarcer, police officers find themselves in increasingly difficult positions, and many are considering leaving the service altogether.
In a bid to show their frustration, police officers in Scotland recently took the step of withdrawing their goodwill on November 1. This means they will no longer work beyond their scheduled hours, will not begin shifts early, and will not take their personal protective equipment or other police gear home. These measures are designed to underscore the growing dissatisfaction within the ranks.
Government Response and the Path Forward
The Scottish Government has responded to the unrest, with Justice Secretary Angela Constance expressing her gratitude to police officers for their dedication. “Police officers and staff do a challenging job in sometimes very difficult circumstances, and I am grateful for all they do to keep communities safe,” Constance said.
However, Constance also defended the government’s pay offer, arguing that the 4.75% increase is above inflation and higher than any other pay increase within the Scottish public sector, excluding the NHS. She also stated that the Scottish Government’s offer represents the maximum affordable amount given the strain on public finances.
Constance further noted that Police Scotland officers are consistently among the best paid in the UK, both at the minimum and maximum ranks. The government has indicated that discussions on officer pay are ongoing, though the outcome remains uncertain.
