Police officers are on the verge of an agreement with the Government after months of negotiations over pay cuts, it was revealed last night.

But the deal between the Bermuda Police Association and the government negotiating team over the changes, forced by the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, has still to be ratified.

The agreement, if approved, would mean police would take part in the government-wide package of cuts for a year.

Emmerson Carrington, the chairman of the BPA, said: “The BPA is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement in principle with the Bermuda Government.

“This agreement sees the BPA accepting government’s austerity measures for a period of 12 months.

“It is heartening that both parties could reach an amicable agreement in the interest of national security and in support of the Government’s austerity programme.”

Mr Carrington said that a 4.5 per cent pay increase owed for 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019 had also been agreed, but negotiations stalled when the Government asked officers to contribute to the Government Health Insurance scheme.

A spokeswoman for the Cabinet Office said last night: “As a further note, the parties have also reached an agreement in principle on the conditions of service order, which will see the police receive the cost of living increase of 2.5 per cent for fiscal year 2017-18 and 2 per cent for 2018-19, which accords with the agreements reached with all other public officers.”

Wayne Furbert, the Cabinet Office minister, said: “The successful negotiation of the new agreement is the latest step in an ongoing effort by the Bermuda Government to establish effective relationships with our union partners.

“This outcome is reflective of the strong collaborative relationship that is evolving.

“It also highlights that these officers, like public officers in other sectors, have a willingness and desire to support the community during these trying economic times.

“The Government is also particularly pleased as conclusion of these negotiations will see the first new conditions of service order for the police since 2002.

“The Government is grateful to the teams which were engaged in the deliberations over the several-month period and looks forward to working with the other uniformed services unions.”