Pay and Morale Survey 2024 launched: members urged to have their say

25 September 2024

The annual survey, which is organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), is an opportunity for officers to express their views on key issues such as pay, morale, welfare, and working conditions.

The Federation uses the results of the survey to inform its conversations on police pay, as it bids to gain fairer remuneration and working conditions for police officers.

Darren Harris, chair of Suffolk Police Federation, said: “Taking part in the Pay and Morale Survey is the single biggest way for the Federation to highlight to police leaders, ministers and members of the public the real issues frontline police officers face.

“Last year, around 12 per cent of our members took part in the survey. That figure is far too low and needs to improve this year. The more officers that have their say, the stronger the message."

This year’s survey comes at a crucial time, just a few months after a nationwide poll by PFEW found that 97.7 per cent of those who took part voted in favour of campaigning for industrial rights.

“It’s more evident than ever that our members are frustrated and desperately want change,” added Darren.

“Our members are clearly fed up with the current pay review process through the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB), which is currently weighted heavily in the Government’s favour.”

Low morale

Last year’s survey received 173 responses from Suffolk Police, with just over half (58 per cent) revealing that their morale is currently ‘low’ or ‘very low’.

Furthermore, 73 per cent of respondents said they were ‘dissatisfied’ or ‘very dissatisfied’ with their overall basic pay and allowances, with 88 per cent feeling that they were worse off financially than they were five years ago.

“Last year, 14 per cent of the officers who participated in the survey reported to ‘never’ or ‘almost never’ have enough money to cover all their essentials. This is appalling. There is no job like policing. Police officers work tirelessly to protect the public, putting their lives at risk on a daily basis. None of our members should not have the money to cover their essentials,” continued Darren.

“This is a critical moment for officers to voice their opinions, not only on their pay and morale but also in support of the industrial rights campaign. The survey allows the Federation to gather data and evidence that will support our concerns with those empowered to influence and make change.”

In addition, this year’s survey will include questions related to the impact of social media on officers’ roles and the feeling of safety and support during recent unrest across the UK.

The survey is open until Monday 28 October.

Members should have received an email containing a link to the survey. If they have not received the email, please check your junk. If it still cannot be found, contact the Suffolk Police Federation office.