‘Covid has not gone away’

7 July 2022

The Police Federation’s Welsh lead has warned Covid has not gone away as cases once again rise in Wales.

The Office for National Statistics estimates one person in every 30 has Covid-19 as the latest wave sweeps across the country.

And Nicky Ryan said it could impact on officers’ morale, which has already been hit by the cost of living crisis.

Now Nicky has called on the Government to show their support for police officers by providing them with a morale-boosting pay rise.

She said: “The pandemic hasn’t gone away and it’s concerning to see the number of cases on the rise again. Indeed, the Office For National Statistics estimates that one person in every 30 has coronavirus.

“It’s a concern for our members, some of whom may be vulnerable themselves or they may have vulnerable relatives.

“We’re already seeing officers falling sick and, quite rightly, staying off work but there’s a knock-on as overworked and overstretched colleagues step in.

“It’s bound to have an impact on morale, which is already at a low ebb as officers don’t feel supported by the Government through the cost of living crisis.

“Our members have seen their pay cut in real terms by 20 per cent in the last decade when inflation is factored in.

“The Government can send a real sign of support by giving officers a proper pay rise.”

Steve Hartshorn, the national Federation chair, said with Covid cases rising it was “a worrisome period” for officers.

He said: “Our members are presently going through a ‘Summer of Discontent’. The cost of living is going through the roof, police officers’ pay and work conditions are abysmal and we are staring at another surge in Covid-19 infections, which will have a cascading effect on our work commitments.

“Police officers have endured a blanket pay freeze for two years and a 20 per cent real terms pay cut set against inflation since 2010. They continue to perform their duties to serve and protect the public, but they are not immune to financial pressures. Asking officers to risk their lives but at the same time, feed their families from food banks is simply not on.

“The police and the public want the Government to succeed in delivering their key manifesto commitment of 20,000 new officers, but it is doomed to fail at the level of current salaries.”

National deputy chair Tiff Lynch added: “We have to learn to live with Covid-19. Because of the nature of our work, we cannot close the doors on our duties. Chief constables must be held to account for the wellbeing of their force. They must rise to the situation and be more sensitive towards our members.”