PSNI: Civilian police staff may strike over danger money

Around 2,300 workers have seen little increase in their £580 annual allowance since it was introduced more than 30 years ago

Police staff may go on strike after learning that a rise in their danger money is currently deemed to be unaffordable, their union has said.

Around 2,300 civilian workers have seen little increase in their £580 annual allowance since it was introduced more than 30 years ago.

By comparison, police officers receive almost £4,000 on top of their salaries.

Nipsa representative Tracy Godfrey said staff "will not tolerate this unacceptable treatment".

She added: "Nipsa are now considering the next steps as 83% of staff have already indicated they would strike on this issue."

The roles of the staff include crime scene work and 999 call handling

Nipsa has previously pointed out that civilian staff and officers are under the same terrorist threat and that they feel undervalued.

Their roles include crime scene work and 999 call handling.

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In answer to an Assembly written question, justice minister Naomi Long said her department is supportive of an increase.

But she added: "The PSNI has not demonstrated that the uplift is affordable.

"Until there is clarity around future budgets, progression of the business case (submitted by the PSNI) has been paused.

"Departmental officials will continue to work with PSNI on the business case when the 24/25 budget is clarified."

Ms Godfrey says she is disappointed the information was found out in written question to the justice minister

For several years staff have been seeking an allowance of just over £1,000.

Unlike the allowance paid to police officers, it is not linked to pay increases, hence the growing disparity.

'Unacceptable treatment'

Ms Godfrey said: "I am disappointed that we have to find this out via a question from an MLA and not directly communicated to ourselves.

"If affordability is the barrier to paying staff the uplift, how was the 7% officer pay award affordable, considering that this will also uplift their allowance?

"The chief constable is on record as saying that he would have gone to court to secure the pay rise for his officers.

"We hope to be afforded the same support with our request."

"Police staff will not tolerate this unacceptable treatment and are asking for further face to face talks with the minister," she added.