Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has welcomed news a pay award for PSNI officers has been agreed by the Department of Justice.

The award gives a 2.5 per cent increase to police officers’ pay scales, backdated until September and aligning with a similar award to officers in England and Wales.

“It is important PSNI officers are treated in the same way as their colleagues in the rest of the UK. That includes receiving similar pay awards and so I welcome today’s news,” said Mr Blair.

“I am pleased Justice Minister Naomi Long has taken this decision to bring pay parity for police officers here, which is thoroughly deserved, and done so as one of her first major decisions as Minister.

“With the cost of living rising, it is vital we recognise the role played by those keeping us safe and crucial we provide them with a fair income for doing so. A just compensation is the least they deserve.”