GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police staff will receive an equivalent pay award to uniformed officers, police and crime commissioner Martin Surl has said.

The announcement follows the Government’s decision to lift the public sector pay cap and increase police officers’ basic pay by 1 percent with a further 1 percent one off bonus.

All other constabulary employees such as PCSOs, scenes of crime officers, ICT and other staff are expected to receive a similar rise in basic pay.

Mr. Surl said the possibility of diverse sections of the workforce being treated differently was unfair and has pledged to underwrite any shortfall.

He said, “This is all about equality and fairness. We hope the Government values the huge contribution made by all police staff and will reward them equally. If not, I will make up any discrepancy

“At a time when the police are under increasing pressure, the chief constable and I agree that officers and staff, who do important work whether they are in an office or on the front line, should be recognised alike.

“To do otherwise would be potentially divisive and could damage morale."