PCSOs Get Backdated Pay Rise

Wed, 19 December 2007 Courtesy of: The Sun Online

Thousands of police community support officers will get a full pay rise denied to fully-trained cops, it was revealed last night.

The decision to award a backdated 2.5 per cent increase intensified the war of words between Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and police.

Bobbies' leaders reacted furiously after learning that 71,000 staff would get a full increase plus back pay to September.

Full rises will also go to other support staff like forensic and custody officers.

PCs argue their 2.5 per cent rise from this month is effectively 1.9 per cent – less than inflation – because it is not backdated to September.

A Police Federation source said: "It's a kick in the face. Support officers have a fraction of our training and responsibility.

"Nobody's saying they don't deserve the rise. But if they do, so do we."

Shadow home secretary David Davis added: "This adds insult to injury."

Cops have demanded Ms Smith's resignation.

Last night MPs on the powerful Commons Home Affairs committee urged her to re-think.

Brave WPC Rachael Bown, who was shot while arresting an illegal immigrant in Nottingham, has accused the Government of a "lack of respect" for officers.

She said: "The Government should recognise the sacrifice made by officers and their families."