West Midlands Police to roll out living wage for staff

The PCC's office say the introduction of the living wage will not have a significant financial impact, and that it will only effect a small number of West Midlands Police's 10,000 or so employees.

The announcement is part of West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's economic development strategy where David Jamieson has outlined his plans for driving down crime on public transport, supporting victims of business crime and ensuring road delays are kept to a minimum.

A total of 260 low-paid staff will benefit from the introduction of the living wage when it comes into force in April 2017.

The National Living Wage entitles adult workers to £7.85 an hour, and set to rise to £8.25 next month.

The office for the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner declined to give a figure on how much the living wage would cost the cash-strapped force, but insisted the impact would be 'minimal' and not effect frontline services.

Away from the living wage, Mr Jamieson's other commitments include pressing agencies to ensure delays on the roads are kept to a minimum; buying more items locally; continuing to drive down crime on public transport; and supporting victims of business crime.

He said: "This economic strategy sets out my commitments to ensuring West Midlands Police and its £500m budget contribute fully to the prosperity of the region.

"Lower crime means more investment and ultimately more jobs for the region. That is why this is such a priority for me. The police have a huge role to play in the supporting the region's economy.

"Top of the list is making West Midlands Police a living wage employer, which will mean all of the force's staff are paid a decent wage.

"I will also push the force to buy more goods and services locally to support the economy and boost jobs. Despite the disproportionate cuts, West Midlands Police is a major employer and procurer in the region and I will make sure the force does much more to encourage local firms to bid for contracts.

"Making sure that our roads run smoothly has been something of a crusade for me. I am working to ensure that incidents on the motorways are co-ordinated properly so that delays are kept to a minimum. Delays on our roads cost the regional economy millions of pounds a year, bringing businesses to a halt and costing jobs. This is a huge priority for me and West Midlands Police.

"I will continue to support the Safer Travel Partnership, which has driven down crime on public transport, and do all I can to reduce business crime, but, when it does occur, I will make sure that specialist support is in place to help victims get back on their feet."