Police Lose High Court Pay Battle

Police officers have lost their High Court battle for a 2.5% pay rise to be paid in full.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith refused to implement their pay award in full, which has led to bitterness among the ranks.

The Police Federation said that Ms Smith has acted unlawfully.

The two judges which heard the case, Lord Justice Keene and Mr Justice Treacy, disagreed that Ms Smith had acted unlawfully but accepted that police officers were in a "difficult position over pay".

The ruling will result in a £200 loss in average earnings in the current pay year - effectively reducing the award to 1.9%.

The decision affects police serving in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Paul McKeever, Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales said in response to the decision: "We are extremely disappointed with the decision of the Court. However, we take heart that we have won the moral case. This has been demonstrated by the tremendous support shown by the public and politicians of all political parties who have voiced their anger and concern at the way this government has treated police officers across the UK.

"We are police officers, we want to fight crime and criminals, we don't want to fight the Home Office and the Home Secretary. We should never have been put in this position by the Home Office in the first place. This action was brought to the High Court on behalf of the Staff Side of the Police Negotiating Board, representing all police officers of all ranks throughout the UK."

Mr McKeever added that there would be a meeting this Thursday to discuss the judgement.

Ms Smith said that she is "pleased with the court's decision that found in favour of the Government".

"This was a difficult decision but one I stand by. It was important to ensure that pay settlements are affordable and consistent with government pay policy in the interests of keeping the cost of living under control for families across the country," she said.

Ms Smith added that she wished to "work closely" with the Police Federation and that she was already discussing this year's pay round.

Police have been given 14 days in which to lodge a notice of appeal.

Home Secretary Feels The Heat At Police Conference

(DS/KMcA)