This year’s survey includes specific questions around pay reforms and members feedback is really important as it will be used as evidence in our Pay Review Remuneration Body (PRRB) submission in November.
Our 2018 survey found that more police officers than ever (7.8%) have taken second jobs. This is up from 6.3% of respondents in 2017. A staggering 44.8% said they worry about the state of their personal finances either every day or almost every day. And more than one in nine (11.8%) said they never or almost never have enough money to cover all of their essentials.
The vast majority of respondents, 87.9%, did not feel fairly paid considering the stresses and strains of their job.
The findings of this survey have never been more relevant, particularly following the government's derisory 2% pay ‘award’ announced last year.
The ‘award’ amounted to a measly uplift of 0.85% in real terms and is what led PFEW to lodge an application for judicial review around the government’s decision to ignore an independent body’s recommended amid the rise in crime, demand and terror threat.
PFEW National Chair, John Apter, said: "Our Pay and Morale survey provides crucial evidence from our members on issues around pay conditions and morale within the service.
"I cannot stress enough the importance of this survey; the findings help us stand up and fight for what our members deserve and ensure their voices are heard."
The survey data is also used to influence other policing stakeholders - for example, the College of Policing on initiatives such as competency-based pay. Also, HMICFRS have welcomed the robust and meaningful data, and now make use of the pay and morale survey findings in their national Police Effectiveness Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) assessment reports. This ultimately benefits federated ranks by ensuring improved management and support systems.
More than 27,000 police officers - nearly a quarter of all ranks from constable to chief inspector - took part in the survey last year and we hope to see even more members take part this year.
