Give us your views on pay and morale

1 November 2021

Federation members are being urged to take the chance to send a clear message to the Government with the launch today of the annual pay and morale survey.

West Mercia 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’ campaign for fairer pay for officers.

West Mercia branch chair Sarah Cooper said: “I think this year’s survey is probably more important than ever before and would urge all our members to have their say.

“The pay freeze and its impact on officer morale has become a massive issue for the Police Federation and the survey findings are expected to highlight the real feelings of anger and frustration from our members.

“The police service has come under unprecedented amounts of pressure from all angles in recent years and the Government would be wise to listen very carefully to the findings of the 2021 survey when they are published.”

Sarah also pointed out that West Mercia Police Federation also used the findings of the survey when talking to the Force chief officer team.

“We refer to the survey results locally to inform discussions with chief officers and it is important that we have this evidence in order to be able to have a stronger negotiating position. I do understand that people suffer from survey fatigue but this is everyone’s opportunity to have their say and help us to have a legitimate voice for our members,” said Sarah.

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 latest 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 complete it.