§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will define working at the sharp end, as quoted in the Home Office police briefing, January 2001. [48289]
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§ Mr. DenhamThe briefing note stated that "we want to bring in a new scheme to target extra rewards at those working at the sharp end of public service, doing the most difficult and demanding jobs". On 9 May, the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) agreed a package of reforms to police pay and conditions of service, including such a scheme.
Under the special priority payment scheme, it will be for chief officers and police authorities to draw up local schemes, taking account of national criteria and any guidance issued by the Home Secretary. They will also have to consult local staff associations.
Posts may qualify for payment where they:
Carry a significantly higher responsibility level than the norm for the rank; orPresent particular difficulties in recruitment and retention; orHave specially demanding working conditions or working environments.Officers in qualifying posts will receive a one-off payment at the end of the year of not less than £500 and not more than £3,000 normally, although exceptionally payments of up to £5,000 may be made.
In the first year of the scheme's operation (2003), forces will have to spend a minimum of 1 per cent. of the force's annual basic paybill for all ranks up to and including chief superintendent, rising to 1.5 per cent. in the second year and 2 per cent. in the third year.