Every police officer in Scotland is to get a £250 'pandemic' bonus and a payrise of £700 after a deal was agreed with the Scottish Government.

The one-off payment is being made in recognition of the "significant challenges" faced by Police Scotland during the past two years and the Coronavirus put pressure on its ranks and operations. 

The deal was agreed folllowing negotiations with the Police Negotiating Board (PNB), and will be back-dated to 1 April. 

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The £700 payrise is being apllied to all ranks and the deal includes a number of other enhancements to police officer terms and conditions that can be summarised as follows, including a 1% increase to all relevant allowances.

Martyn Evans, Chair of the officers' union The Scottish Police Authority, said: “The Authority has been working closely with Police Scotland and the Scottish Government as part the PNB and in constructive dialogue with representatives from the Scottish Police Federation, Association of Scottish Police Superintendents and the Scottish Chief Police Officers Staff Association to reach this pay deal.

"The agreement recognises the essential and valuable role police officers play in keeping the people and communities of Scotland safe and secure.”

The Herald:

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone added: “I know the high level of commitment to public service that exists in Police Scotland and which is demonstrated across the country every minute of every day for the benefit of our communities.

“I’ve consistently underlined my thanks for the work of police officers and the support of their families, throughout the pandemic, and at all times, and it is crucial our people are properly recognised and rewarded.

“It was important that a fair and affordable pay agreement was reached and I thank the Scottish Police Federation, the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, and all who worked together to achieve this settlement.”

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Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans said:  “I am pleased that after a period of constructive discussion and negotiation, the Police Negotiating Board has reached agreement on Police Officer pay for 2021/22. 

"The agreements recognise the dedication and commitment of our officers, to keep all our communities safe. It also highlights the benefits of collective pay bargaining for Police Officers, in maintaining positive relations between the Official and Staff sides of the Police Negotiating Board.”