As you are aware we are presently in the process of going through a vast change in policing. Over the last 10 years we have seen a large number of Police Officer posts being replaced by non warranted staff, especially in back office functions, to release officers to the front line. We have also seen the arrival of PCSO’s, ISO’s, DSO’s etc. all of whom it is said are in addition to Police Officers, not in replacement of.
In the last 18 months locally we have embarked on a massive 3 year cost cutting exercise through Operation ICAN.
We have also seen the arrival of a new Chief Constable and Assistant Chief Constable which will shortly be followed by the arrival of a new deputy and 2nd Assistant Chief Constable.
A restructure of the CID department on WB has also taken place which is now being followed by a restructure of the whole force. At the same time we are also collaborating with Leicestershire as well as the wider region in a number of areas of the organisation which will bring about further change.
The new Government has come into power and immediately started talking about our pay and conditions, indicating that from next year we will be subject to a pay freeze, as will all other public sector workers earning less than £18,000 per year. They have, however agreed to honour the 2.55% rise that comes from the last part of our 3 year pay deal. They have also started a review of public sector pensions, of which we form part, without giving any idea of what that will mean to us except to say that it will not affect our accrued rights but again without giving any idea what the term ‘accrued rights’ means.
They also talk of putting in place a directly elected Police Commissioner replacing the Police Authority and other changes in legislation that will directly affect our role. This alongside the other changes that will affect us, but are not directed at us as a group, to deal with Government debt.
Operationally we have the World Cup, two Silverstone events, Operation Guardian and other events that are impacting on all officers. This is all happening at a time when the payment of overtime is very limited due to the financial constraints that are being put on us.
I know that all of the above seen in individual chunks does not seem a lot but when it is put together it indicates the amount of pressure that we are all under. I want to assure you that the Federation both locally and nationally continue to work hard at representing you and negotiating and influencing on your behalf at all levels. I would like to also remind you that we represent all Federated ranks and should you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact your local reps or the Federation Office.
Roy |