Politicians urged to act as survey reveals low ebb
POLICE FEDERATION HIGHLIGHTS DEEP-SEATED DISSATISFACTION FROM RANK-AND-FILE OFFICERS
LEICESTERSHIRE Police officers reported feeling stressed, overworked, undervalued – with almost one-in-six considering leaving their jobs.
Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of local police officers also said they would not recommend joining the police, the Leicestershire Police Federation revealed.
Around 81 per cent reported in a recent survey feelings of stress, low mood, anxiety or other health and wellbeing concerns over the past 12 months, with 44 per cent saying they found their job “very or extremely stressful”.
Furthermore, 15 per cent said they intended to resign from their jobs either “within the next two years” or “as soon as they can”.
The data was compiled by the Police Federation of England and Wales, which represents rank and file officers, in its 2023
Pay and Morale report.
Constables, sergeants, inspectors (including chief inspectors) and special constables are all eligible to join the federation.
County police officers contributed 445 responses to the national report.
Leicestershire Police said it was aware of the report’s findings and “alive to the concerns raised”.
The force added the “wellbeing of all staff is very important” and it “continues to maintain an open dialogue with serving officers to take necessary steps and ensure that Leicestershire Police is seen as a good place to work”.
In addition to morale and wellbeing, the survey also looks at police pay.
According to the report, 82 per cent of Leicestershire officers feel worse off now compared to five years ago, and 15 per cent said they “never or almost never” have enough money to cover all their essentials.
More than seven in 10 (72 per cent) said they are dissatisfied with their pay.
Last year, the government granted a seven per cent pay rise to police officers, but the Leicestershire Police Federation said they have
The officers they rely on to run towards danger are the same ones feeling worn out and devalued Andy Spence
seen a “realterms pay cut” of 16 per cent over the past 12 years. The federation added police chiefs are requesting a six per cent rise for 2024, saying the “high cost of living in the UK is placing an even bigger strain on officers, as well as hampering recruitment”.
Andy Spence, acting chair of Leicestershire Police Federation, said: “The survey results show us clearly that officers feel dissatisfied with the level of pay and allowances.
“Over 80 per cent of officers are worse off than they were five years ago. The workloads of officers has gone up and over 70 per cent said that their workloads were too high.
“Over 80 per cent of officers have suffered with stress, low mood and anxiety. Over 90 per cent do not feel respected by the government; over two-thirds would not recommend others to join the police.
“The government needs to sit up, look at these figures and realise that the officers they rely on to run towards danger are the same ones who are having days off cancelled, feeling worn out and devalued.
“Every time a politician says that there will be extra officers at work, what they mean is that officers have had days off cancelled, they have had extra work given to them from a government which does not recognise the important role they have.
“We are asking the government to make a fairer system for pay, to understand the risks and limitations that officers face and give a meaningful pay increase.”
HOME OFFICE RESPONSE
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We recognise the incredible role that police officers do up and down the country, and last year, we awarded a consolidated pay increase of 7 per cent to officers of all ranks.
“The retention of police officers is a priority for the government and our latest survey of new police recruits found that 85 per cent of respondents were satisfied with their job, with 72 per cent intending to stay in their role until retirement age.”
The Home Office added it is “committed to supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of all police and is working closely with police leaders to ensure this”.
This includes providing ongoing funding to the National Police Wellbeing Service, which provides evidence-based guidance, advice, tools and resources which can be accessed by forces, the department said.
‘WELLBEING IS IMPORTANT’
A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said: “We are aware of the findings of this survey and are alive to the concerns raised by officers.
“The force undertakes its own surveys of officers and staff to identify and address any issues and feedback.
“The wellbeing of all staff is very important and the force continues to maintain an open dialogue with serving officers to take necessary steps and ensure that Leicestershire Police is seen as a good place to work.”