Chief constables across the country are refusing to pass on a Christmas message from the Home Secretary to their officers for fear it will damage morale.
Jacqui Smith's refusal to backdate a recommended 2.5 per cent pay increase has caused anger among officers.
Cumbria's chief constable, Craig Mackey, did not pass on the festive greeting because he said it could "negatively damage morale". He added that "there was unanimous support not to pass the message on and I will write to the Home Secretary explaining this".
Another chief constable said that many of his colleagues were also refusing to pass on the message.
In her private letter, Ms Smith praised the "hard work, commitment and sacrifices" of the 140,000 officers.
The country's 43 forces have joined with the Police Federation in taking the Home Secretary to court over her decision not to backdate the pay rise. The Home Office declined to comment.
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