“Our members are being driven out by unrealistic and escalating demands”

28 October 2024

Sussex Police Federation has spoken out ahead of this week’s budget and has called on the Chancellor to Back our Bobbies.

Chair Raffaele Cioffi was reacting after a new survey showed 27% of police officers are resigning before reaching pension age, with low morale and poor job satisfaction cited as the main reasons.

Experienced officers are leaving the service, disillusioned and burnt out - an alarming trend that must be reversed.

63% of those who left pointed to the job’s negative effect on their family and personal life as a critical factor.

Raffaele said: “The Government must recognize the severe risks posed by chronic underfunding of our police service. It is their duty to act. Our members are being driven out by the unrealistic and escalating demands placed upon them due to inadequate resources.

“This is unsustainable. We demand an immediate review of the funding formula and meaningful reform. Our members, and the communities they serve, deserve far better.”

Raffaele also spoke out about the risks of more experienced police officers retiring early if the Chancellor cuts the pension tax-free lump sum.

There have been newspaper reports that the budget on Wednesday could see an announcement over the amount savers can withdraw from their pension without paying income tax – the lump sum - could be cut to £100,000.

“Previous administrations have already inflicted untold damage on our pensions — they must find another solution rather than this.

“Our members have worked hard for their savings and deserve for their original working conditions to be respected.

“Should the Government do this, they would be jeopardizing the only tool left to retain our most experienced members.”