All Gloucestershire Police staff will receive an equivalent pay award to uniformed officers.

The announcement by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl follows the government's decision to lift the public sector pay cap and increase police officers' basic pay by 1 per cent, with a further 1 per cent one-off bonus.

All other Constabulary employees such as PCSOs, scenes of crime officers, ICT and other staff are expected to receive a similar rise in basic pay, although the bonus element is less certain.

Mr. Surl said the possibility of diverse sections of the workforce being treated differently was unfair and has pledged to underwrite any shortfall.

He said: "This is all about equality and fairness. We hope the government values the huge contribution made by all police staff and will reward them equally. If not, I will make up any discrepancy

"At a time when the police are under increasing pressure, the Chief Constable and I agree that officers and staff, who do important work whether they are in an office or on the frontline, should be recognised alike.

"To do otherwise would be potentially divisive and could damage morale, which is already being tested by an ever-expanding workload borne by a diminishing workforce."

Public sector pay was frozen for two years in 2010, except for those earning less than £21,000 a year. Rises have been capped at 1 per cent, below the rate of inflation, since 2013 and the cap was due to remain in place until 2020.

The government signalled an end to that policy last week, but PCCs have been told they must meet the increases out of their existing budgets or from reserves.

The cost of paying all Gloucestershire Police staff the 1 per cent bonus payment agreed for officers would be £236k and will be spread across two financial years - £138k during 2017/18 and £98k in 2018/19.

Mr. Surl said: "We had already accounted for a 1 per cent in salaries next year and all PCCs have been told by the Home Office we must dip into our reserves if necessary.

"Gloucestershire has a general reserve which, on government advice, equates to 5 per cent of the annual budget. This will bring it down to 4.75 per cent, but as the money is already in reserve, it will have no impact on council tax payers or the day-to-day running of the police."