New police recruits to get paid more as chief goes against Government scheme (From Daily Echo)

New officers will get a wage of £21,500

6:38pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

NEW police officers in Hampshire will be paid more despite an attempt by the Government to slash starting salaries.

The county's new chief constable Andy Marsh and Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes have decided to ignore recommendations of a starting wage of £19,000 for new recruits - and instead offer salaries of £21,500.

The news comes after the Daily Echo reported concerns over how police and community support officers would be paid more for their roles and would be asked to take a pay cut if they signed up as an officer in Hampshire.

Just last week, Mr Hayes said he said he thought increasing the amount “was the right thing to do” because it was vital Hampshire police attracted the best people.

John Apter, the county's federation chairman representing rank and file officers, said it was positive news.

“We have been working with the PCC and chief constable on this because we feel very strongly. Not only does the role demand more, but we are also living in one of the most expensive areas in the country. A drop in salary to less than that of a PCSO was morally not right and was an insult.”

PCC Hayes said the rise will be implemented from April this year and will rise to £22,000 following initial training.

He said: “Policing is a vocation, for that reason this joint decision was taken to ensure we recruit and train only the finest calibre of candidates to protect the people and places across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.”