Police officers in Scotland to withdraw goodwill in pay dispute

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Scottish police officers are poised to cease extending their customary cooperation amid a row over pay and working conditions.

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF), representing upwards of 16,500 officers, has announced the action will kick off at 5pm on Friday and persist "until further notice."

While strikes are not an option due to legal restrictions, Scottish officers can express discontent by withdrawing goodwill or adhering strictly to work regulations.

Officers will stick to their scheduled shift times and refrain from bringing personal protective equipment (PPE) home after shifts as part of the protest.

Additionally, they will avoid taking home "ancillary items" of gear, with the SPF highlighting that officers cannot shoulder the extra expense of charging electronic devices at home.

SPF general secretary David Kennedy, in a communication to the Chief Constable posted on the SPF's website, stated that the move to officially retract goodwill was not taken lightly. He elaborated: "It is borne from sheer disappointment and the strength of feeling of our members for the utter contempt this pay offer represents to them."

"Police officers feel totally undervalued by the service, and that has been apparent from the surveys that have taken place in the last six months from both Police Scotland and the SPF."

"The SPF has consistently demonstrated a willingness to negotiate a fair pay settlement for our members and still remain open to a fair pay proposal before conciliation or arbitration has concluded." the Scottish Police Federation said.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr remarked on the matter, stating: "This action highlights that relations between the SNP Government and hardworking officers have hit rock bottom."

He added, "Given that they cannot legally go on strike, it is the most powerful step they can take to show how angry they are."

Kerr continued by saying, "It is little wonder that they have reached breaking point, given the SNP's sustained cuts to the police budget, which have left officer numbers at their lowest since the SNP came to power in 2007."

He also called the situation "This should be an urgent wake-up call for SNP ministers to stop treating police officers with such contempt."

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs commented: "Our officers work tirelessly every day to keep people safe across the country and it is right that their public service is recognised and rewarded."

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He acknowledged the strain of the situation: "We know the impact that a situation like this has on our people but are confident they will continue to demonstrate the highest levels of commitment to communities across Scotland."

Speirs confirmed the force's stance, saying, "We remain absolutely committed to further discussions with the staff side as the pay claim is progressed through the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We have made what we believe to be a very fair offer of 4.75% to police officers, which is above inflation and higher than any pay increase agreed within the Scottish Public Sector, excluding the NHS.

“This is the maximum affordable offer in the face of public finances that remain under severe pressure.

“The process for agreeing officer pay is ongoing.

“Unions representing police staff are currently balloting their members and we await their outcome.

“Police officers in Scotland have consistently been the best paid in the UK, at the minimum and maximum of each rank.”

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