Members urged to share their views on pay and morale

1 November 2021

Polfed News

The only national survey which captures members views on pay, conditions and morale launches today, Monday 1 November 2021.

This year’s survey is more important than ever before.

The findings from the 2021 Pay and Morale survey will provide us with crucial evidence to support our ongoing national pay campaign in calling for fairer remuneration for police officers.

In May 2021 PFEW withdrew from the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) after recommendations from the body were once again disregarded by the Government, seeing officers with no uplift in pay despite the efforts and challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

PFEW National Chair, John Apter, said: “The Pay and Morale Survey is the only consistent national survey that represents members attitudes to pay and conditions. The evidence this year is vital in supporting our ongoing campaign to seek fairer pay and remuneration for police officers 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 that 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 police claimed this factor had a major impact on their intention to leave.

John continued, “The Government’s decision to freeze police officer pay has been met with huge disappointment and anger by our members. The current 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, PFEW launched a national campaign with the aim to reset police-government relations and fight for a fairer pay system which acknowledges the tremendous efforts of police officers who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe.

The Pay and Morale survey is conducted by PFEW’s in-house Research Department, which plays a vital part in providing strategically important evidence to achieve better pay and conditions for members.

This year’s survey will close on 30 November 2021.