Police officers in Scotland are to stop working on their shifts at the scheduled time and not start these any earlier, in a move that is due to take effect from 5pm on 1 November.
The rank-and-file officers, who are represented by the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), are prohibited by law from taking industrial action or withdrawing labour. Instead, they will withdraw goodwill, which also means they will not take any personal protective equipment or other police items home with them, regardless of where their next tour of duty is.
Officers will still work overtime if requested to by a superior, but will claim for payment afterwards, and will also test all vehicles prior to beginning work.
This in protest at a pay offer that they do not feel is appropriate for their work. The SPF had submitted a claim for a 5.7% pay increase for 2024/25 in May, and was unhappy with the 4.75% pay offer it received.
The SPF stated that a dispute regarding pay and conditions, particularly over the number of extra hours being worked, has been ongoing. The decision to withdraw goodwill is due to its aim to safeguard members’ health and safety.
David Kennedy, general secretary of the SPF, stated in a letter to Police Scotland chief constable Jo Farrell: “I need to be clear that the formal withdrawal of goodwill is not an action the Joint Central Committee of the SPF has endorsed lightly. It is borne from sheer disappointment and the strength of feeling of our members for the utter contempt this pay offer represents to them. Police officers feel totally undervalued by the service, and that has been apparent from the surveys that have taken place in the last six months from both Police Scotland and the SPF.”
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs added: “Our officers work tirelessly every day to keep people safe across the country and it is right that their public service is recognised and rewarded. We know the impact that a situation like this has on our people, but are confident they will continue to demonstrate the highest levels of commitment to communities across Scotland. We remain absolutely committed to further discussions with the staff side as the pay claim is progressed through the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland.”
