Nottinghamshire police commissioner calls for officer pay rise

Mrs Henry, who has already held urgent discussions with the Mark Petrovic, chairman of Nottinghamshire’s Police Federation following the announcement, said she was extremely disappointed that officers were, in effect, being asked to take a pay cut – when inflation is taken in to account.

She said: “Officers feel undervalued by the pay ‘pause’ and that is not right.

"These are the people who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep us safe.

"They could not work from home, their job is out there in communities, where all too often they were abused and assaulted for their efforts.

“I wanted to let the Federation know that I understand the officers’ anger on this, and I think it’s important that they know I am in their corner, fighting for a just pay reward for them.

"I am not going to stand-by and say nothing.”

Mrs Henry was instrumental in persuading the national Association of Police and Crime Commissioners to write a powerful letter to the Home Secretary expressing their concerns.

She continued: “I feel really strongly that police officers and staff should receive a pay rise.

"I know that the nation’s financial position is challenging, but I do not believe that hardworking committed police officers should be financially penalised.

“I hope that the Government will relent on its position.”

Officers currently earning more than £24,000 will be subject to a public sector pay freeze.

However, those earning less will be given an annual rise of £250.