A 1% pay rise has been offered to Scotland’s officers, sparking calls for industrial action.

Scotland’s frontline leaders have rejected a “disgraceful” 1% pay offer.

The Scottish government has been accused of ignoring the cost of living crisis and officer welfare by offering a below inflation pay rise.

The Scottish Police Federation’s General Secretary Callum Steele revealed details of the offer to members from the staff side – and warned they faced pain whatever happens next.

Officers are being offered £565 on all pay points and a 1% rise – both of which would be backdated to April this year.

Employers said the below-inflation offer was being made because the cost of living pressures were being felt “by everyone” and there was no scope within the Scottish Government for a bigger increase.

The staff side will now consider “whether conciliation is an option worthy of exploration”.

Even if this option was accepted, officers will face months of delays with a possible deal only being agreed in 2023.

Callum Steele did not hold back in his message to members: “Words cannot adequately convey the anger the Official Side has caused, nor the inevitable delay and pain this will cause for police officers at a time the cost of living is at its highest for 40 years.”

It adds to the pressure facing the force.

Police Scotland is close to crisis point as year of financial problems impact and morale is already at rock bottom among officers.

It must tackle a retirement exodus as 1,800 officers have already indicated they intend to retire having reached the age point for pensions – and more are expected to follow. Around one in 10 are considering the option, according to the Scottish Fed.

Those staying signalled they want their leaders to consider options like working to rule.

One officer reacted to the update: “Flexible working rejected due to staffing issues. No training due to staffing issues. Annual leave rejected due to staffing issues. Now a shocking pay offer which will make the staffing issue worse.”

Another said: “Time to start working to rule.”

Staff side explained: “We genuinely wish we could do more to address the principle of fairness but we have a responsibility to the Scottish taxpayer to spend within our means.”

“Our offer is based exclusively on what we can afford from the funding available. The Official Side’s response… is not intended to be dismissive or unsympathetic but rather an honest assessment of what can be done in the current financial context.”