Christmas and New Year message from Greater Manchester Police Federation Chair Mike Peake

21 December 2023

Looking back over the year GMP as a police force has continued to improve and build on the many work streams that sit within the plan on a page, which was introduced by Chief Constable Stephen Watson.

This good news is largely down to the hard work that many officers in GMP display day in day out, and everyone should be proud of their achievements.

In 2023 police officer numbers in GMP rose to more than 8,100 officers, however the policing demand that an area the size of Greater Manchester brings along with its many complexities resulted in many officers finding it difficult to get breaks as resourcing levels remain low in key areas. Officers have continued to see their rest days cancelled as GMP strive to maintain policing levels that will keep the public safe. In this regard fatigue factors have been and will remain a key priority for GMP Federation going into 2024. It is important that officers are allowed sufficient time off so that they can recharge their batteries.

As your local Federation we continue to represent your views during regular dialogue with the force, and we are confident that GMP has a force leadership team that are willing to listen and want to engage with us.

The cost of living also increased along with rocketing interest rates to kerb inflation, which left many officers with less money in their bank accounts at the end of the month. Nationally and locally the Federation ran a Police Pay Campaign highlighting the growing gap in police pay since 2010. The Government announced a 7 per cent police pay rise that took effect on 1^st September, and whilst this was welcomed by many officers the rise fell way short of inflation and the 17 per cent gap that was highlighted. What was particularly pleasing was the removal of the constable pay point 0, as new recruit’s starting pay is now almost £5,000 a year more than it previously was. Attracting and retaining officers in GMP is key, and I believe that this will help to achieve that.

With reports around falling public confidence in policing, public complaints have risen by over 140 per cent in GMP, however many are malicious or vexatious. For simply doing their job, officers are now facing an increased threat of dismissal or even being dragged through a criminal prosecution at court just because of their occupation. Whilst the police should always be under scrutiny for their actions, that scrutiny must be far more proportionate and balanced. It must be recognised that the vast majority of police officers are good people doing a really good job.

Police officers in Greater Manchester want to make a difference and protect the public, but we should not have to police with fear or be asking for the much-needed greater backing and support that will enable us to police to the standard that the public expect. If we do see a general election next year no matter what Government is in power, there is an essential need to recognise this and offer more protection to those officers who put their own safety at risk when protecting others.

Policing is a vocation like no other, so I was pleased to hear during this year’s PFEW annual conference General Secretary Calum Macleod say pay will remain a top priority for PFEW going into 2024. I’m sure the PRRB are keen to highlight the issues around the ‘P factor’ that makes policing such a unique job. It is essential that police officers get appropriately paid for the risk they face each day, and PFEW should offer as much information and education around what that means.

In turn, that should result in a more informed and accurate recommendation for next year’s pay offer. The Government must better financially reward police officers in 2024 by implementing a pay rise that reflects the risks and personal sacrifices that each officer makes. Investment in policing must increase if the Government are serious about reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

We also heard that the PFEW are to instruct an independent root and branch review, with the intention of identifying areas of improvement. A decision was also made not to increase the monthly PFEW subscription fees this year, with the focus on how the PFEW can do things better and not just ask officers to pay more money to operate in the same manner.

Those who get the opportunity will celebrate over the Christmas holidays and spend some quality time with family and loved ones. However, many officers will not get that opportunity as they work shifts to help others keep safe over what is a busy period in the police calendar. I am sure that you will join me and spare a thought for those in GMP who will be working over the festive period, and hope that they stay safe and manage to celebrate in some way when they can.

I would like to take the opportunity to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s hope that 2024 will be a good one.

As always stay safe.