'We Are Extremely Concerned That Officers Struggle On A Daily Basis Just To Make Ends Meet'

11 January 2023

Humberside Police officers are struggling – 84% of officers at the force feel ‘worse off’ financially than they were five years ago and 97% have reported an increased cost of living.

Its left 16% of them never or almost never having enough money to cover all the essentials, according to the Police Federation of England and Wales’ Pay and Morale Report for 2022.

610 officers took part in the research.

Last year police officers across England and Wales were given an average of a 5% pay rise – but this was way below inflation booming now at more than 10%. Household bills are rising sharply and over the past 12 years police officer pay has fallen in real terms by 25%.

78% of respondents from Humberside Police said that they are ‘dissatisfied’ and ‘very dissatisfied’ with their overall remuneration (including basic pay and allowances).

They are also being attacked by members of the public. 19% reported that they had suffered one or more injuries that required medical attention as a result of work-related violence in the last year.

Lee Sims, Chair of Humberside Police Federation, said: “97% of colleagues stating the cost of living has increased shows exactly what we are seeing locally with increased numbers coming to the Federation asking for help with finances down to just putting food on the table.

“We also recognise the 69% who worry about their finances every day or almost every day.

“With regards to officer pay, we are not surprised at all with the concerning figures… due to us now being approximately 25% behind in real terms pay since 2010.

“The impact of the cost of living crisis coupled with the appalling pay awards being made by this Government over the last 10 years are putting more and more pressure on our members at all ranks.

“Humberside Police Federation work closely with the force and welcome the force’s continued commitment and support for members’ wellbeing and in creating a culture where they feel supported locally. However, we are extremely concerned that officers struggle on a daily basis just to make ends meet, something that is a national issue and we call on the government to take action to support our officers”

“We have seen an increase in the number of officers using our local initiatives such as ‘Feed Your kid for a Quid’ campaign and having to be sign posted to our partners to be given financial help and guidance. We also are seeing an increase in referrals to our local welfare and benevolent charity which exists to assist officers and staff going through really difficult times.

“We call upon the Government to recognise that policing remains unique in terms of our right to withdraw labour – the fact that we can’t do that - and we should be recognised and remunerated accordingly.”