Local MP backs police in pay dispute

Local MP Tim Farron has backed the police force in their dispute with the Government over a pay rise which was not back-dated, effectively resulting in a pay-cut for police officers. The Home Office and the police force have negotiated a 2.5% pay rise for September 2008, but are refusing to back-date it to September 2007, when the negotiations began.

Mr Farron has signed an Early Day Motion which has also been signed by 38 MPs from all the main parties. The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith could also face a Ministerial rebellion after several expressed their concerns at the plans.

Tim Farron said:

"It's a real kick in the teeth for police officers not to be granted this pay deal back to September 2007. For them to do the sterling work that they do and then be offered what is in fact a real-terms pay cut is just not on.

"The government is using the fact that the Police cannot take industrial action to force this settlement upon them, this is a real betrayal of trust."