The agreement will see police officers receive a 4% pay increase from April 2025 to March 2026 followed by a further 3.5% increase from April 2026 to March 2027. The same uplift applies to a range of allowances for officers.
The pay deal is above inflation and includes a commitment to the pay award remaining at least one percentage point above the average Consumer Price Index rate each year - safeguarding earnings against rising living costs.
Fiona McQueen, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority said: “I warmly welcome this multi-year year pay deal for Scotland's police officers. It recognises the valuable role officers play in keeping Scotland safe and secure and offers a degree of financial stability over the next two years.
“I want to thank everyone involved in the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland, particularly the Staff Side representatives, who showed great commitment to constructive dialogue to reach this pay deal."
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “I want to thank police officers for the hard work and skill they demonstrate every day to deliver for our communities.
“I'm grateful to the Staff Side of the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland, the Scottish Police Federation and everyone involved in reaching this agreement."
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “I am pleased that after a period of constructive discussion and negotiation, the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland has reached agreement on police officer pay for 2025-26 and 2026-27. I am grateful to all those involved. Police officers do a challenging job in often difficult circumstances and this agreement recognises their dedication and commitment to keeping communities safe."
A police staff pay award which mirrors the offer agreed with officers is being put to a consultative ballot of trade unions' members. A majority need to accept the offer for agreement to be reached.
Timeline
The official side of the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland (PNBS) has presented a two-year pay offer for police officers covering all ranks and pay points. The offer was formally accepted by the Staff Side on 18 August, 2025.
Background
Officers will also see the on call allowance rise to £36.40 in 2025 and to £43.68 in 2026.
Maternity and adoption pay will increase from 18-weeks to 26 weeks full pay in April 2026.
Officers will also benefit from mileage rates aligning with HM Revenue and Customs' approved rates, enhanced overnight disruption payments for international deployment, public holiday compensation for Inspecting ranks and a rest day mileage entitlement where notice is given with less than 18 days'.
Full details of the agreement are detailed in a JCC circular published by the Scottish Police Federation today, 18 August, 2025. Details will also be published to the PNBS section of the Scottish Government website in the coming days.