What's New

Tory announcement on PAT and Pay

On Sunday evening 20th January 2008 the Conservatives released the following statement (below) saying that, if in power, they would keep the Police Arbitration Tribunal process and not allow the Home Secretary to overturn without putting to a full vote in the House of Commons.

Jan Berry, Chairman of Staff Side PNB stated;

"It is imperative that there is trust between the government and the police, and officers have the confidence of that trust when exercising their duty.

"We welcome removing the ability of the Home Secretary to overturn the decision of the independent Police Arbitration Tribunal; a decision which should be binding on all parties."

ENDS

TORY STATEMENT

Following the Government's recent decision to depart from the police pay award decided by arbitration the Conservative Party have today announced a reviewed position.

The Conservative Party proposes to continue the system, under which arbitration is used to resolve pay settlement disputes, but from now on we will require that any departure from independent arbitration awards is subject to the positive approval of the House of Commons.

This will underwrite our determination to deal with all those services covered by a statutory no-strike arrangement in good faith. This arrangement will cover the police, prison and armed services. The House of Commons library's best estimate is that this would cover 142,270 police officers and related staff, 27,222 prison officers and 193,800 military personnel - 363,292 public servants in total.

Commenting, Shadow Home Secretary, David Davis, said:

"In the context of the police, arbitration awards were always honoured throughout the 18 years of Conservative government. The Government's recent decision to depart from the award has dramatically undermined police confidence.

"Whilst it is impossible for any Government to give up in totality the right to overrule a pay award in the public sector - simply because there is always the possibility of some unforeseen financial pressures - it is vital to act in good faith on these matters.

"We believe that this new approach is fair, reasonable and will serve the public interest. It will provide our vital public services with greater confidence in the arrangements, now badly damaged by the Government."

Stevie McCann
Secretary PFNI