Send clear pay and morale message to ministers

1 November 2021

Members are being urged to take the chance to have their say as the Federation launches its annual pay and morale survey.

Suffolk Police Federation is calling on all its members to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear in the online survey, the results of which will then be used to support the Police Federation of England and Wales’ (PFEW) campaign for fairer pay for officers.

Suffolk branch chair Darren Harris said: “Pay is a massive issue for police officers and the first question I get asked when I meet our members for a catch-up is usually about wages.

“With recent increases in fuel and energy prices, I know some officers are struggling and are worried about filling their cars up and paying their gas bills.

“We are all concerned about officer morale at the moment and the zero per cent pay award did little to help, but the officers I have met recently seemed to be in good spirits and were determined to get on with the job of supporting the people of Suffolk and keeping them safe.

“I would encourage our members to take part in this survey and let their views be known.”

National chair John Apter said the survey was the only consistent national study that represented member attitudes on pay and conditions, and the results would play a vital part in supporting the ongoing fairer pay campaign across England and Wales.

The findings from last year’s survey starkly illustrated the damage caused by Covid-19 as more than three quarters (76 per cent) of respondents felt they were unfairly paid for the risks and responsibilities of their job during the pandemic.

The factor most likely to have a detrimental effect on their morale was how the police as a whole are treated, while 70 per cent of those planning to leave the service said their treatment had played a major impact on their intention to leave.

John said: “The Government’s decision to freeze police officer pay was met with huge disappointment and anger by our members.

“The current Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) system has proved it is not fit for purpose and it must be replaced by something which properly takes account of policing interests and is not readily and easily manipulated by the Government.

“This is why I am urging all members to take the time to complete this survey. Your opinion matters and your feedback will give us the evidence to be able to fight for fairer pay and conditions on your behalf.

“Together our voices are stronger and more impactful.”

Following the news of a police pay freeze earlier this year, the Police Federation launched a national campaign with the aim to reset police-Government relations and fight for a fairer pay system that acknowledges the tremendous efforts of police officers who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe. 

It withdrew from the PRRB after recommendations from the body were once again disregarded by the Government, leaving officers with no uplift in pay despite the efforts and challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2021 pay and morale survey is being conducted by the Police Federation’s in-house research department, which plays a vital part in providing strategically important evidence to achieve better pay and conditions for members.

A link to the survey will be sent to members this week and officers have until Tuesday 30 November to fill it in.