Your input can help Fed campaign for better pay and conditions

23 September 2024

Branch chair Rich Cooke says the results of this year’s Pay and Morale Survey will provide invaluable evidence to support the Federation’s campaign for fairer police pay.

Rich said the more members who complete the survey, the stronger the impact would be in campaigning for improved pay and an independent pay system.

He said: “The annual Pay and Morale Survey is now open and I’d encourage as many members as possible to take part.

“I understand there may be a certain level of survey fatigue among members, but this research does provide helpful evidence for us to use in our campaigning on your behalf for better pay and conditions.

“We’ve already received a mandate to pursue a fair and binding pay mechanism, and with a new Government in place it gives us the chance to take a fresh view on the issues that matter most to members.

Voice heard

“So it’s vital that we get the views of as many members as possible, that you make your voice heard, and you provide us with a comprehensive insight into the realities of policing that we can share with decision makers.

“And the more members who take part, the louder our voice will be.”

The survey is now open and closes on Monday 28 October.

As well as covering pay and morale, it looks at mental health, wellbeing, demand, annual leave and rest days, and professional development.

It includes 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 while on duty?
Does social media have an impact on the way you are able to perform your role?

Last year’s West Midlands Police Federation Pay and Morale Survey found that 85 per cent of respondents from West Midlands Police were ‘dissatisfied or ‘very dissatisfied’ with their overall remuneration, including basic pay and allowances.

Essentials

In addition, 89 per cent of respondents felt they were worse off financially than they were five years previously, with 20 per cent reporting that they ‘never’ or ‘almost never’ had enough money to cover all their essentials.

It also found that 88 per cent of members felt morale in the Force was low or very low and 58 per cent felt their personal morale was low or very low.

The main reasons impacting morale were how the police are treated by the Government (97 per cent), how the police are treated by the public (88 per cent), and pay and benefits (85 per cent).

The Pay and Morale Survey is conducted by the Police Federation of England and Wales’ in-house research department.

You should have received an email containing a link to the survey. If you have any issues or have not received the link, please email West Midlands Police Federation office.