Police staff are at risk of job and pay cuts after Police Scotland’s decision to review its recruitment plan ahead of the National Insurance increase, UNISON warns today (Friday).
The union representing emergency call handlers, custody officers, administrative staff and forensic experts is concerned the Scottish government’s failure to fund fully the employers’ National Insurance increase to 15% from April could lead to a recruitment freeze and unacceptable pay deals.
At a board meeting of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) yesterday (Thursday), the chief constable of Police Scotland Jo Farrell said maintaining police officer numbers at the current level of 16,600 will only be possible if NI costs are covered in full.
She also said the force must identify £9m worth of savings or job cuts could follow.
UNISON says it has deep concerns that ministers’ aim to retain officers means any staff reductions would fall on support workers and specialist services.
UNISON Police Scotland branch secretary David Malcolm said: “Police staff are essential to the smooth running of Scotland’s criminal justice system.
“A further squeeze on workforce numbers would strain already overstretched services, putting public safety at risk.
“Workers are also concerned Police Scotland will use financial pressure as an excuse to delay or refuse essential pay increases.
“Police Scotland and ministers must provide assurances that police staff jobs and pay are protected.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is Scotland’s largest union, with more than 150,000 members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.