PAY AND MORALE
PAY AND MORALE SURVEY 2023: COMMENTS
ON KEY FINDINGS
Stark statistics reveal high levels of discontent amongst undervalued police officers with many planning to quit as pay lags significantly behind other public sector workers
More than one in five police officers are planning on quitting the police service, with 78 per cent highlighting poor government treatment as the influencing factor. Findings from the PFEW Pay and Morale Survey revealed low morale is increasingly impacting retention with 22 per cent of respondents expressing intentions to resign within the next two years or ‘as soon as they can’. The survey is held every year by the
Police Federation of England and Wales and it offers a regular ‘snapshot’ of policing from the perspective of the ranks up to and inclusive of that of chief inspector. As such, the survey also records the views and opinions of
This year’s findings also highlight that workload remains problematic, with levels unsustainable to the point of officers being unable to take the breaks they are due. Additionally, 86 per cent of respondents do not feel that there are enough officers to meet the demands of their team or unit. A third (33 per cent) say they ‘always’ or ‘often’ felt pressured into working long hours over the last 12 months. Three quarters (78 per cent) are
day basis and for pay to compensate this as part of the Federation’s ongoing fair pay campaign.
The organisation is taking action to address a number of areas based on the findings of the survey, including but not limited to: uprating allowances, types of leave and pay awards in general. PFEW National Chair Steve Hartshorn
“My colleagues who protect the public around the clock in an increasingly dangerous profession, are feeling devalued by the Government”
officers from any job role from the 43 police forces in England and Wales. The findings are collated from all the officers who take the survey and they help to prioritise areas of improvement or concern for the Federation in dealing with the top levels of policing structure and government policy.
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‘dissatisfied’ or ‘very dissatisfied’ with their overall remuneration (including basic pay and allowances). While 18 per cent reported never having enough money to cover their essentials. PFEW is insisting the Government to take into account the restrictions and limitations put on police officers, the risks they face on a day-to-
said: “This is an issue, primarily, about fairness. While the PFEW is not participating in the Police Renumeration Review Body process, it is important our work continues to highlight the economic hardship being experienced by police officers and to influence decision makers about the need for
fair pay awards that take account of the unique status of officers, the restrictions on their private and professional lives, and the increased costs of living they face. “The growing evidence we have reveals a sad and shameful state of affairs; the work of police officers is depreciated by the Government, not only that, but my
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