“ASPS joined our colleagues from the Scottish Police Federation and UNISON today in a public show of the anger and utter disappointment felt by our members.
“Almost an entire eight months after a pay award was due, police officers in Scotland are without a pay deal.
“With a pay rise imposed on English and Welsh colleagues back in July (by a pay review body that commands no confidence amongst Staff Associations there), it took the Scottish Government a further 3 months to even match that offer.
“Police officers aren’t stupid and know this means less in their take home pay in Scotland, due to higher taxes here.
“Our pay claim, which the Staff Side revised down in good faith in an attempt to compromise, is simply the same as our public sector colleagues in the NHS received.
“Our members will struggle to deliver the same service without the goodwill of federated colleagues. This will lead to increased cost and decreased output.
“We are already struggling with record low numbers of senior officers coupled with more demand and more risk than ever below.
“We call on the Scottish Government to do the right thing and come back to the table with an improved offer. It will be a cold Christmas for Scotland’s police officers, otherwise.”