Pay cap for police and prison officers to be lifted

The government is to lift the one per cent public sector pay cap for the first time for police and prison officers, the BBC has reported.

Ministers are expected to accept recommendations for higher pay rises and also pave the way for similar increases in other sectors.

Unions, the opposition and some Tories are calling for the cap to be cut.

But there are warnings that police forces have budgeted for a one per cent rise and without extra money, jobs will be at risk.

The BBC’s home affairs corespondent said that while forces were welcoming the reports, there was widespread concern that it would put huge strain on them if extra resources were unavailable.

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioners has warned that if that were to happen 80 jobs would be lost for every one per cent rise.

The BBC understands the Treasury will issue guidance on next year’s pay round, which is likely to see the cap eased in other areas where there are similar problems - like teaching and nursing.

It comes as MPs are set to vote on public sector pay within the next few days.

David Jamieson, Labour, said: “If the government do not put aside money to fund the pay increase, PCCs will be left with large bills and have no other option other than to reduce officer and staff numbers.

“The government must act quickly to ensure that its pay cap lifting is not a hollow gesture.”