Reforms 'attack on police service'

Planned reforms have been branded a "conscious and deliberate attack on the police service" by rank-and-file officers as the likely shape of police pay and conditions in the future was unveiled.

The Police Federation criticism came after the official arbitration panel announced which of the proposals outlined in last year's Winsor review should be adopted.

Home Secretary Theresa May, who will have the final say on whether to ratify the agreement, has clashed with officers since Tom Winsor's review recommended the biggest reform of police pay in 30 years.

The Police Arbitration Tribunal (Pat) has accepted most of the Winsor proposals, but changed several others.

The issue was sent to the tribunal after the sides failed to negotiate an agreement on the Winsor proposals.

Paul McKeever, the federation's chairman, said he was "extremely disappointed" with the Pat decision, but added he would accept its ruling.

"Many police officers across England and Wales will be angry and dismayed about their future," he said.

"The Police Federation of England and Wales recognised the financial difficulties this country faces.

"With this in mind staff tabled savings from police pay equivalent to the savings proposed by the official side that did not result in many of our members experiencing a disproportionate financial detriment.

"This considerable commitment to reform, together with the financial savings offered from police pay by a staff association, is unprecedented."