Have your say on pay, morale and the challenges facing policing

30 July 2026

West Mercia Police Federation members are being encouraged to have their say on the issues facing policing in this year’s Pay and Morale Survey.

The branch wants to ensure officers’ experiences and views on pay, conditions, welfare and wellbeing are heard.

The annual survey comes at an important time for policing, following the Government's decision to reject the independent recommendation of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) on police pay.

Branch chair Gareth Spreadbury voiced his disappointment at the decision, describing the pay system as ‘unfit for purpose’.

Now the Pay and Morale survey provides officers with the opportunity to share their views on pay, morale, and other challenges facing policing.

The findings will form a key part of the Federation's evidence to Government and other decision-makers as it continues to campaign for better treatment of police officers.

The call to take part also comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over officer wellbeing.

Figures released by Police Oracle show that 315 West Mercia Police officers were signed off work with depression, anxiety, stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during 2025/26, compared with 202 officers in 2024/25 – an increase of more than 55 per cent.

Gareth said: "The figures paint a worrying picture of the pressures our officers are facing every time they go to work.

Pay decision

“Members have been left disappointed by this year's pay decision. At the same time, more officers than ever are struggling with their mental health.

“These two factors may well be connected., which it is why it is more important than ever that every member takes a few minutes to complete the Pay and Morale Survey.

"The more members who take part, the stronger the evidence we have when challenging Government on pay, wellbeing, workloads and the wider issues affecting policing.

"And I would encourage every West Mercia officer to have their say. Your experiences matter."

Click here to take the survey. It closes on 10 August.