Chairmans Update

Please click the Chairmans link on the Right to read a message from GMP Federation Chairman Ian Hanson.

Memorial Garden unveiled in memory of Fiona and Nicola

A memorial garden for two fallen officers PC Fiona Bona and PC Nicola Hughes has been unveiled in Hyde.  See the story on the BBC website below:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-20700776

Arrangements for industrial rights ballot

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has outlined proposals for how officers will be able to vote in the forthcoming industrial rights ballot.

Every police officer in the country is being asked whether they want the Federation to pursue a change in the law that would allow officers to take industrial action.

Following discussions with Electoral Reform Services (ERS), the organisation which will oversee the process, the ballot will take place electronically.

An online registration site will be created for voters to register an interest in participating in the ballot, backed by awareness raising from PFEW and local and regional representatives.

It is expected the site will be live from 1 January, 2013.

Federation Response to the PAT Award

Police officers beginning their service will see their pay cut while a decision on compulsory severance – effectively redundancy – being introduced for police officers has been put back.

The Police Arbitration Tribunal made the announcement today along with a number of decisions on key issues of disagreement between the Official Side, which includes representation from the Home Office and ACPO, and the Staff Side, which includes representation from the Police Federation, on the Police Negotiating Board (PNB).

While a decision on compulsory severance is delayed to July 2013, some constables starting in service will see their pay packets cut from around £23,259 to around £19,000 - a reduction of around £4,000.

PAT Award Windsor Part 2

The PAT decision on Windsor Part 2 has been received.  Follow the link below to see implications.

http://www.polfed.org/PAT_Analysis_Briefing_061212.pdf

Westminster debate highlights that police pensions' changes are 'wholly disproportionate'

Please find Police Magazine Article about the debat on Police Pensions

Yesterday (28/11/12) MPs scrutinised the government's proposals over police pensions following a groundswell of anger from police officers about the impact of the cuts.The Westminster Hall debate on police pensions saw the government's proposals receive a barrage of criticism.

Keith Vaz, chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, chaired the debate and said he hoped it would be a 'curtain raiser' for a debate on the floor of the Commons, calling the cuts to pensions 'wholly disproportionate'.
The Police Federation has also highlighted key issues which officers themselves can take to their own MPs including concerns over increasing pension contributions and officers having to work longer to the age of 60.
MPs listened to the debate as Mr Vaz paid tribute to officers who put their lives on the line and said they have a 'unique role' as well as responsibilities as police officers. He added that the reforms to pensions were 'wholly disproportionate' and should only apply to new recruits coming into the service.

Clarification of Federation's position on pension reforms following Wednesday's Westminster Hall debate

Please see below message from the federation.


During Wednesday’s Westminster Hall debate on police pensions, the minister for policing and criminal justice, Damian Green, made reference to the PFEW accepting the proposed pension reforms as “the best deal possible”. We have received feedback from some members regarding Damian Green’s comments criticising PFEW’s decision to engage with the government and underlining the view that the PFEW could have done more. 

It is important to note in this regard that had we refused to engage with the Home Office, the likely outcome would have been the imposition of the Home Secretary’s original proposals. We must underline the fact that pension changes were never ours to ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’ with as they are gifted by the Home Office. We could only try to influence the outcome with open engagement in the process, and then accept improvements that were offered. The issue of pension structure and reform is a different situation in law to any other pay and conditions negotiations, and stands outside of this official negotiation framework.

Open Meeting

The open meeting will take place at Lancashire County Cricket Club on Tuesday 4th December 2012.

The doors are open for officers at 6pm - refreshments are available in the Maiden Suite where Member Service stands will also be exhibited (Tea/Coffee / bar on account)

The bar will close at 7pm when the Meeting is due to commence.  The seating this year will be theatre style and drinks are strictly on a waiter service, pads to order drinks will be available.  There will also be question sheets which can be handed to stewards to pass to the panel
(Mr Fahy, PFEW Chairman Elect Steve Williams, Ian Rennie, PCC Tony Lloyd) – facilitator will be Ian Hanson.

We expect the meeting to close at about 9.30 when a Buffet will be available.  Bar on account all evening and will close at 10.30pm.

Industrial Rights know the facts

Please find link to a document that contains information on how the right to take industrial action works for trade unions and the route the PFEW would need to go down if it was to seek industrial rights for members.  Also find a link to a video interview with chair elect Steve Williams.

 http://www.polfed.org/mediacenter/Industrial_Rights_Booklet/industrial_rights_know_the_facts_booklet.html#p=1

http://www.polfed.org/mediacenter/ballot.asp

Police force mergers in England and Wales 'inevitable'

Senior Police officers are saying that police forces should merge to create an 'up to date and efficient service'.  Chief Constable Stephen House, head of the new national force for Scotland, said it was "inevitable" the current 43 force system would have to restructure.  

Sir Hugh Orde head of ACPO has also said that the idea is gaining momentum with senior officers.

Wasn't this idea brandished nearly ten years ago and was dismissed?

What do you think take part in our online poll

See story below:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20118194

Police elections: Welsh ballot paper decision 'shambolic'

Preparations for next month's police and crime elections in Wales have been called a "shambles" after it emerged an estimated £350,000 worth of ballots papers are likely to be shredded.  Is this not a waste of public money in times of Austerity. 

See Full story from the BBC below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20132277

Home Secretary announces abolishment of PNB

The Home secretary has announced that the PNB will be abolished and it will be replaced by a Pay Review body instead.  This will mean that police officers will lose their power to negotiate on pay.  Instead evidence is considered and the Home Secretary then decides.

In response to the announcement Paul McKeever the Chairman of the Police federation has said:

MP raises claim of past paedophile ring linked to No 10

Labour MP Tom Watson has said police must investigate claims of a "powerful paedophile ring" linked to a previous prime minister's "senior adviser" and Parliament.

See full story below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20070093

Sir Norman Bettison resigns over Hillsborough inquiry

Sir Norman Bettison has resigned as chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, saying an inquiry into his role after the Hillsborough tragedy was "a distraction" to the force.

See link below for the story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20067716

Top cop picked to head up new policing college

The chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary has been picked to lead the new College of Policing.

Alex Marshall, who has more than 30 years policing experience and led on the creation of the National Police Air Service, was chosen from a strong field of candidates to be the college's first chief executive officer.

Full story can be read here

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/police-college-head

Message of thanks from Family of PC Nicola Hughes

The family of PC Nicola Hughes have thanked the tremendous support from Greater Manchester Police and the public.

The full statement can be seen below

Family of PC Fiona Bone thankful for Support

The family of PC Fiona Bone thank the support they recieved from the public and police.  In a statement published on the GMP police website they expressed their sincere thanks and grattitude. 

The full statement can be seen below :

Sian O'Callaghan murder: the detective's dilemma

So the police are being vilified for the mistrial of Chris Halliwell.  Here is a different perspective on the story

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/oct/19/sian-ocallaghan-murder-detective?INTCMP=SRCH

Police and Crime Commissioners

The nominations have now closed for the role of Police Commissioner.  Here is the list for the Greater Manchester candidates, the list is from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19480158

Andrew Mitchell Resigns

The 'plebgate' row has finally caught up with Andrew Mitchell.  He has offered his resignation to the Prime Minister.  He has finally done the decent thing!

Full Story at the link below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19922026

Prime Minister's Questions: Andrew Mitchell is 'toast', says Miliband

David Cameron and Ed Miliband have clashed over Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell's future after his row with police at the Downing Street gates.

See story below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19977905

Andrew Mitchell: Ministers 'Beyond Despair'

Senior ministers are "beyond despair" that Andrew Mitchell is still in his job despite his row with a policeman, according to Sky sources.

See Story below

http://news.sky.com/story/998799/andrew-mitchell-ministers-beyond-despair

Andrew Mitchell must not be sacrificed to police mob, ex-Labour minister says

Police have been accused of bullying Andrew Mitchell over "pleb gate"

See story below

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9611293/Andrew-Mitchell-must-not-be-sacrificed-to-police-mob-ex-Labour-minister-says.html

Final Farewell to Fiona Bone

Today we lay to rest Fiona Bone as the echos of yesterdays grief continued today.  Thousands lined the route again to bid their final farewell to Fiona Bone.   

To see story and pictures follow links below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19818673

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19827265

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1590416_tributes-to-strong-brave-wonderful-officer-at-funeral-service-of-pc-fiona-bone

Final Farewell to Nicola Hughes

Thousands of people lined deansgate to say their final farewell to Nicola Hughes.
 
See story and pictures at below links
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19822043
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19818672
 
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1590356_thousands-pay-respects-at-manchester-cathedral-funeral-service-of-pc-nicola-hughes

New police air service takes off

A new National Police Air Service has replaced localised police helicopter operations in England and Wales.

The service of 26 helicopters at 23 bases, some not operating round the clock, is expected to save £15m a year as seven other bases are closed.

See story at following link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19781996

PCs Hughes and Bone among National Police Memorial Day honoured

Our two Fallen heroes were honoured for their bravery at the National Police Memorial Day held in york.  See link below for full story

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19760739

Rochdale abuse: Social services 'missed opportunities'

Social services and police "missed opportunities" to stop the sexual abuse of young girls in Rochdale, a report into a grooming scandal has revealed.

The full story can be found at the link below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19739073

Rallying cry for unity by Federation chair elect

The Police Federation is still a ‘force of persuasion’, new chair elect Steve Williams said in his first speech in the role as he made an appeal for strength in ‘unity’.
Mr Williams made the rallying cry to officers at North Yorkshire Police Federation’s open meeting last week and vowed to speak up for what is right.
                    
He told officers at the meeting: “I will take every opportunity – whether that is with the media, with national politicians, with the new police and crime commissioners, to make sure I speak out against what is wrong and speak up for what is right.”
He added: “We still have every reason to be proud. We are part of the finest police service in the world.”

Police Arbitration Hearing

Following the failure to agree between the Official Side and Staff Side at July’s PNB meeting, we can now confirm that a date has been set for the Police Arbitration Tribunal to consider the recommendations from the Winsor Final Report.

The hearing will take place on Thursday 18 October 2012. 

As soon as any information is released we will post it.

Hollow words and Real Views

See below for this weeks message from Royston Martis - interesting reading.

http://www.policeoracle.com/news/Police+Performance/2012/Sep/27/Comment-Hollow-Words-And-Real-Views_55466.html

Scotlands new Chief Constable has his say

Scotlands new Chief Constable, Stephen House, has come out in support of high police numbers.  See his interview with the BBC at the link below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-19732286

Tory Councillor stripped of post after 'joke' about dead officers

What does this say about the Conservatives absolutely disgraceful!! 

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Tory-David-Stephenson-stripped-post-joke-dead/story-16980483-detail/story.html

Vigil for Shot Police Officers

A Vigil in memory of PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes will be held today (tuesday) a week after they were tragically killed on duty. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19708569

Andrew Mitchell: fresh pressure as full police log published

The full police report of the incident involving Andrew Mitchell has been published.  See article below in the guardian.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/sep/24/andrew-mitchell-police-log

No 10 has backed Minister over Police Row

See below news link where No 10 has backed Chief whip Andrew Mitchell over his out burst at Police Officers.  Does this go to show what the government actually thinks of the police?  Furthermore it has been revealed that the police are being investigated into how the incident was revealed to the press.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19698141

"We will work with other forces to arrange support"

GMP has issued a statement about the fantastic offers of support the force has received from colleagues across the UK to help police the funerals of PC Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes.

It is understood no formal request has been made by GMP at this time and no commitment made for the provision of mutual aid.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, said: "First of all I want to say a heartfelt thank you for everyone's kind offer of support to GMP.

Lord John Stevens Independent Review of policing

Dear Colleague

Please find attached a survey which we would be very grateful if you could complete. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/police2012

The survey is being undertaken to assist the Independent Police Commission headed by Lord John Stevens who is extremely anxious to hear and be able to represent your views in his report.

The Police Federation and Superintendents Association have assisted the Commission in identifying issues and questions.

Commemorative Wristbands

Over the weekend we have ordered thousands of wristbands to commemorate our fallen colleagues PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes.

The wristbands feature their collar numbers and the date of the day they paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We will be looking to charge £1.00 per band - proceeds will be distributed to the families.

Please do let colleagues know that these will be coming soon. As soon as they are delivered we will let you know.

In memory of Fiona and Nicola

The outpouring of public grief is incredible. Whilst stood at the scene of the awful events on Tuesday I saw a steady flow of people come to pay their respects to Fiona and Nicola. You girls would have been proud of the response from your colleagues and public. RIP Fiona and Nicola God bless you both.

Federation response to comments made by Chief Whip, Andrew Mitchell

Paul McKeever, Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales:

“It is hard to fathom how someone who holds the police in such contempt could be allowed to hold a public office. Mr Mitchell’s half-hearted apology for the comments made whilst leaving Downing Street will do little to build bridges with the police who feel they have once again been treated with a lack of respect and civility by members of this government. The lack of regard that some within government appear to hold police officers in is especially disappointing during this tragic week for the service and does nothing for the rock bottom morale of officers in this country.”

Comedian apologises for tasteless comment

Comedian Steve Hughes apologises for 'tasteless comment' about police officers killed in the line of duty.  See article below for full story.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1589344_comedian-steve-hughes-apologises-for-tasteless-comment-about-police-officers-killed-in-hattersley

Policing in the bleakest Hour

Officers are grieving – but they will never be beaten by those who seek to hurt them, see below comment piece by Royston Martis.

http://www.policeoracle.com/news/Uniformed+Operations/2012/Sep/20/Comment-Policing-In-The-Bleakest-Hours_55244.html

Police officers from across UK offer to cover GMP

Please see news story at below link, where officers from across the UK have offered to come and work in GMP so officers could attend the funerals of PC Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1589230_police-officers-from-across-uk-volunteer-to-cover-for-gmp-officers-attending-funerals-of-shot-colleagues

Book of Condolence for Fallen Officers

GMP have opened a book of condolence for the two brave fallen officers please see link below:

http://www.gmp.police.uk/mainsite/cond.htm

Two Police Officers killed in line of Duty

A sad day not just for GMP police but the entire police family.  A tragic day our thoughts with the friends and family of the two brave offcers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19635239

Chairman Ian Hanson on BBC News Channel: 'Our officers are absolutely numb. It doesn't get any worse than this.

'Two police had an absolute right to go home to their loved ones tonight. This is cold blooded murder. GMP has lost two fine cops.

'The force is heartbroken. They were murdered in cold blood.'

ACPO Ranks 'Should Face Share of Cuts'

This is the voice from the Supers Association Conference held last week, see article in Police oracle

http://www.policeoracle.com/news/Staff+Association+News/2012/Sep/17/ACPO-Ranks-Should-Face-Share-Of-Cuts_54914.html

Sir Peter Fahy says football does not need policing

See article below in the MEN from Sir Fahy, those of you who police football on a regular basis make your own minds up.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1588858_greater-manchester-police-chief-constable-sir-peter-fahy-says-football-does-not-need-policing

Pensions F & Q

Please see below link for further Frequently Asked Questions around Pension Reform.

http://www.polfed.org/Pension_QA_document_140912.pdf

Draft Public Service Pensions Bill

As some of you are aware the Draft Public Service Pensions Bill was released yesterday and had its first reading at the House of Commons

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/publicservicepensions.html

This is a particularly hefty document on which we are seeking urgent legal advice. This is to ensure we know and are clear about what the content means for police officers. At present the implications are unclear as to whether it relates to Section 2 of The Police Pensions Act (1976).

We anticipate the bill will take some time to go through, what is normally a lengthy legislative process and we will clarify the time scales as soon as is practicable.

We will update you as soon as the legal advice is available.

 

Industrial Rights

Colleagues

For information on Industrial Rights please see information at the below link.

http://www.gmpfederation.com/images/stories/Industrial%20Rights%20Ballot.pdf

Letter to Members

Dear Colleague

We have been made aware of a text and face book campaign encouraging members to withdraw from subscribing to the Police Federation. Obviously this is of concern to us, but equally of concern is the fact that there are a number of myths and rumours regarding the impact of doing this.

The purpose of this letter is to clarify the correct position and implications of doing it so that any member considering this course of action does so with access to all the facts and implications.

Police Federation Representation

Nowhere in the Police Regulations or in the Misconduct or Performance Regulations does is state that the Police Federation must represent you. The Regulations allow for you to be accompanied to any management meeting or misconduct meeting with a work colleague but does not mention that this must be a member of the Police Federation.

Greater Manchester Joint Branch Board exercises a strict policy that we will not provide any representation, support or even advice to members who do not subscribe to the police federation funds on any matter. This includes misconduct, unsatisfactory performance, ill health retirement, grievances and any matter affecting your employment. There is a clear rationale for this position. The federation funds are pre-dominantly used for legal advice and support to members. They are also used to employ the staff and run the offices that would process any claims. Finally they are used for the development and training of representatives to ensure that you have access to their expertise and knowledge. It would be therefore inappropriate for an individual who does not contribute to the development of that knowledge to have access to it.

Pensions Seminar

We have now finalised the arrangements for the Pensions Seminars that are being given by Phil Pearson from St James` Wealth.  The purpose of these is to provide members with an overview of their options and compare what we are being left with against what is available in the wider marketplace.

The details of these events are as follows:

FRIDAY 5th OCTOBER – SEDGLEY PARK (CHAPEL HOWARD) – 10am to 11am & 12 to 1pm.

TUESDAY 9th OCTOBER – FORCE HQ (ROOM 415) – 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1.30pm to 2.30pm & 3pm to 4pm.

Please contact your Divisional Reps to book a space.

Comment: Pensions And The View From The Front

Police pensions - the goalposts have been moved to a completely different stadium

http://www.policeoracle.com/news/HR,+Personnel+and+Staff+Development/2012/Sep/05/Comment-Pensions-And-The-View-From-The-Front_54279.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The past week has seen some of the most dedicated officers hit the hardest in the pocket, says Royston Martis.

DMS Update

DMS UPDATE September 2012

·         Roll out on the F & Q in October; by the 8th these Divisions will have delivery of their fully populated databases.

·         Training will start early October for DRMU’s and supervisors – go live date for booking on/booking off (BOBO) will be the end of October

·         Training will be a NCALT, Induction briefings and a team of ‘floor walkers’ to do onsite handholding for a period following introduction

·         DMS will have primacy with regards to BOBO and also in relation to sickness reporting, monitoring and maintaining, HR systems will be made obsolete. The BOBO system will also allow officer to book sick and resume.

Call to arms by Constables Central Committe

'Members are angry about pensions and the apparent final nature of negotiations which in turn has magnified calls for the Federation to get on with the promised ballot on full industrial rights.' - the constables central committee of PFEW have issued 'a call to arms' to the country's PCs https://www.policeconstables.org/news/a-message-from-the-chairs

Pensions FAQ

Understandably police officers have lots of questions on future pensions.

Here is an FAQ document answering some so far

http://www.gmpfederation.com/whats-new/230-pensionfaq.html

Written Ministerial Statement on Pensions

E.R Tuesday 4th September 2012

HOME OFFICE

Police Pension Scheme

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Theresa May):
On 27 March 2012, I issued a written statement to the House concerning remuneration and conditions of service in the police. Within that statement I explained that I would put forward a proposal on long-term reform of police pensions to the Police Negotiating Board, which I did on the same day. In common with changes which have been developed across public service pension schemes, my proposal reflected the principles for reform established last year by the report of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission, led by Lord Hutton.

My officials have been engaged in detailed and constructive discussions with representatives of the Police Negotiating Board since 27 March, and I have received a number of written representations from the organisations represented. Having considered the outcome of those discussions, and the representations made during this period of consultation, I am announcing today my decision for the Reform Design Framework for police pensions. This framework sets out the Government’s final position on the main elements of police pension reform and will form the basis for discussions on points of further detail in moving to implement these changes.

Police database to hit 1m searches 10 years after Soham

It is 10 years since the bodies of murdered schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman were found buried in a shallow grave near a Suffolk airbase. Their deaths at the hands of Ian Huntley sparked a major investigation after it emerged the school caretaker had previously faced allegations of rape and under-age sex.

Now, ahead of Friday's 10th anniversary of the girls' bodies being found, one of the key recommendations of the Bichard Inquiry that followed the double murder is approaching a major landmark. The Police National Database (PND), set up last year to ensure convicts and suspects could not hide across county borders, is set to hit one million searches.

Federation lead praises Olympic officers ‘positivity’

The friendly and happy to help style of policing seen during the London Olympics is ‘how policing used to be’, the Police Federation’s lead on the Games said this week.

John Coppen was full of praise for the ‘huge amount of positivity’ coming from officers across England and Wales who policed the Olympics.

Officers from across the country ha...

ve been widely praised for their part in keeping the Games safe and secure.

‘There is a feel good fact out there and that is reflected across the police service as well,’ said Mr Coppen.

‘The fact that everything has gone so well in the Games has given everything that little edge. Touch wood there have been very little in the way of conduct issues… it couldn’t have gone any better.

The Impact of the Olympics By Lorraine Harvey, Principal Lawyer (Partner), Family Law Russell Jones & Walker

Whilst the nation waits in anticipation for the monumental sporting event this summer what is the potential impact of the event on those involved? We don’t mean the athletes but the police officers who have had their leave cancelled and the impact that this may have on their family life. 

The nature of the job for most officers can cause a strain on their home life particularly so if there are children. It is likely that the other party is feeling aggrieved as they are anxious at facing the prospect of uncertainty of when their partner may be around to help out with the children during the summer break. This may also impact on their work commitments as child care may need to be factored in. Try to ensure that communication is maintained as far as possible to avoid misunderstandings and be mindful of how your partner may be feeling as although this is not necessarily your choice to be working this does also impact on them. 

For those who have separated from the other parent they may face difficulties with contact. Ideally flexible arrangements for contact will be agreed between the parties to ensure that the children do have an opportunity of spending time with the other parent during this period. 

Officers working beyond Capacity

Huge cuts to police officer numbers could leave the service “unable to cope if riots break out in the country again”, the chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation has warned.
Ian Hanson said officers in his force – which according to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary stands to lose 1,520 police officer posts by 2015 – will be unable to sustain the level of service they provide to the public with falling officer numbers.
The projected loss of officers in GMP is the biggest fall in officer numbers any force faces in England and Wales – including the Metropolitan Police.

“I call for the government to wake up to what is happening on their watch and face up to its responsibilities.”

Mr Hanson said: “The police officers of GMP are working well beyond capacity.
“The way the force reacted to events last week in Oldham is testimony to their professionalism and commitment – but they and their colleagues around the country quite simply cannot sustain this for much longer.
“The HMIC report spells out we are losing in excess of 1,500 police officers from GMP which is 19 per cent of our strength. This is nearly double what other forces are losing.

A shameful attack upon the Office of Constable

The Government is ‘dismantling a police service upon which other countries have built their own models’ the chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation said today.

Ian Hanson said officers anger at the Government is about much more than attacks to their own pay and conditions – it is about seeing ‘the finest police service in the world’ rippe...d apart in front of their eyes.

Mr Hanson was speaking as more than off duty 1,200 GMP officers joined some 35,000 colleagues from across the country in a protest march in London against the Government’s attacks to policing.

‘Listen to us before it is too late,’ said Mr Hanson.

‘Although the potential impact of these proposals upon our pay and conditions cannot be understated, this naked ideology goes much further than simply taking money out of the pockets of those who put themselves in danger on a daily basis and to ensure that our communities are safe.

Conference 2012 Special

Please see link to the Conference E-zine Special. http://gmpfedezine.co.uk/

London March 2012

Please see the special edition for the London March here http://www.gmpfederation.com/images/stories/download/manchat/GMP%20Manchat%20May12%20LonMar.pdf

Pensions Update

Dear Colleague

I am aware that the future of Police Pensions is an issue of great concern for all police officers, particularly as the consultation process on a new police pension scheme is about to commence.
I can confirm that the Home Secretary wrote to John Randall, the Independent Chair of the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) on the 27th March 2012 outlining the government’s position for the future of police pensions and required both sides of the PNB to consider and respond to these proposals by the 22nd June. This reaffirmed the government’s intention to introduce a pension scheme for police officers in line with the recommendations made by Lord Hutton for all public sector workers, in that existing public sector pension schemes would be replaced by Career Average Schemes by April 2015. Further information can be found on the HM Treasury website:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/tax_pensions_police_cost_ceiling.htm
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/tax_pensions_frequently_asked_questions.htm

GMP Response To London Call

March in May. Final Numbers!

We are pleased to announce we have more than 1,200 off duty officers coming to London next week to protest against the Government's attacks to policing.

If you add together the coach loads of cops travelling down to the capital from the GMP area, our headquarters Progress House Team, and officers travelling by car and train, we have more than 1,200 members attending....

The march takes place next Thursday (10 May) in central London and will go past Parliament and the Home Office.