Police Scotland staff may be taking industrial action after rejecting a pay offer. 

Police Scotland’s forensic specialists, custody staff, emergency control room workers and others working in police staff roles have voted overwhelmingly (63%) today to reject a pay offer and will take industrial action, if necessary, says Unison. 

(Image: NWP) It comes after the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) offered a 4.75% rise on pay and allowances, which Unison says fails to address the cost-of-living crisis and the vital contribution police staff make to keeping communities safe.

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David Malcolm, Unison Scotland branch secretary, said: “Police staff are standing up for fair pay and are prepared to take industrial action, if necessary.

“The Scottish Police Authority’s offer does not reflect the impact that rising prices are having upon pay packets, nor the critical part police staff play in keeping us all safe.

“Police staff do the painstaking investigations to ensure criminals can be prosecuted successfully and are the first people the public speak to when they call 999. It’s important we invest in them and make sure their pay does not lag behind."

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Deborah Clarke, Unison Scotland’s lead for police staff, added: “This is the first time police staff have voted for industrial action since the creation of Police Scotland a decade ago.

“This sends a clear message that staff need to be listened to and respected for the essential work they do.”

“The SPA needs to put forward a revised offer. UNISON remains committed to finding a solution to this dispute.”