Officers urged to Have Their Say as PFEW launches Pay and Morale Survey

18 September 2024

The PFEW has launched its annual Pay and Morale Survey – designed to gauge how officers feel on issues including pay, allowances, morale, mental health, wellbeing, demand, rest days and professional development.

The PFEW 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.

Raffaele Cioffi, Chair of Sussex Police Federation, said: “I urge all members to have their say on the evidence that the PFEW submits to the PRRB. In this year’s survey, we are focusing on extended tours of duty and cancelled rest days — issues that are increasingly prominent within our force, highlighting how stretched our capacity has become in meeting demand.

"It’s time for the new Government to take bold action and make the much-needed investment in policing. Police pay remains significantly behind after years of pay freezes and minimal increases, which have long undermined our profession.

"For those experiencing survey fatigue, I understand. However, without solid statistical data, it becomes difficult to address the issues we face in policing, especially concerning fair pay and working conditions. Your input is crucial to making these necessary changes.”

This year, there are three additional topical questions:

• What unique aspects of policing should be considered when police pay is being reviewed ?
• Given the recent unrest across the UK, how safe and supported did you feel whilst on duty?
• Does social media have an impact on the way you are able to perform your role?

Nationally, the 2023 survey showed that 85% of officers felt they were not paid fairly given the hazards of the job, and 78% were not satisfied with their overall remuneration.

And 82% said they had experienced feelings of stress, low mood, anxiety or other problems with their mental health and wellbeing over the previous 12 months, with 82% citing poor treatment by the Government as a contributory factor.

In addition, 22% said they intended to resign from the service in the next two years, with contributing factors being low morale (85%), poor Government treatment (78%), and mental health and wellbeing (73%).

On workload, 86% said they do not feel there are enough officers to meet the demands of their team or unit, 64% said their workload has been ‘too high’ or ‘much too high’, and 39% said heavy workload had an impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

The 2024 survey is being sent to members’ email addresses and is open until Monday 28 October.