Metropolitan Police Industrial Action Suspended Following Pay Agreement
Planned strike action by Metropolitan Police staff has been formally called off after workers voted to accept a significantly improved pay offer from the force. The resolution comes following a period of tense negotiations between the Unite union and police management, which had threatened to disrupt essential services across London.
Background to the Pay Dispute
The dispute originated when police officers across England and Wales received a standard 4.2 per cent pay increase, while Metropolitan Police staff were initially offered the same uplift only in exchange for substantial changes to their terms and conditions. Unite representatives described these proposed alterations as "drastic and detrimental" to their members' working arrangements.
More than 170 Unite members working in the Met's critical call centres and fleet services had been scheduled to walk out between 19th and 24th January. This industrial action was temporarily paused to allow staff to consider a revised proposal from police management, following earlier strike action that had taken place on New Year's Eve.
Details of the Accepted Agreement
Following successful negotiations, Metropolitan Police staff will now receive the full 4.2 per cent pay increase in line with their counterparts in other police forces across the country. Crucially, this enhancement will be backdated to 1st August 2025 and will be implemented without any changes to existing terms and conditions.
In addition to the backdated pay rise, workers will receive a one-off payment of £900 specifically designed to help with the increased cost of living and working in the capital. This additional payment recognises the particular financial pressures faced by those working in London's public services.
Union Response and Significance
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham welcomed the outcome, stating that it demonstrated the value of collective action and union membership. "Unite takes a no-tolerance approach to attacks on our members' terms and conditions," she declared. "This win shows why it pays to be a member of our union. By standing together, our members at the Met have protected their pay and conditions."
Unite Regional Officer Keith Henderson emphasised how the threatened industrial action had highlighted the essential role police staff play in maintaining London's safety. "Strike action showed how important police staff are to the operations of the Met and that they deserved a fair pay rise," he commented. "Thankfully, the Met listened, and our members can now celebrate this important pay deal."
The resolution means that critical police services in London will continue without disruption, while staff have secured improved financial recognition for their vital work supporting the capital's law enforcement operations.
