Police staff across the UK are facing a crisis of poor morale caused by low pay, unbearable workloads and worsening stress levels, says UNISON today (Thursday).
A survey of more than 5,000 skilled police staff working alongside police officers reveals more than one in five (21%) are considering leaving their job within the next two years. Among those who took part were 999 call takers, scenes of crime officers, administration staff and police community support officers (PCSOs).
The union’s Police staff pay and morale survey* reveals more than half of respondents (51%) are not satisfied with their current role. Just one in ten (10%) respondents are content with their jobs.
Of the staff surveyed, more than four in ten (47%) admitted their own morale was low, while almost two-thirds (64%) said there was poor morale across their police force. Low pay was cited as a contributor to poor morale by almost three in five (58%) of those surveyed.
An exodus of staff would have serious repercussions for recruitment and retention, warns UNISON, and would make it hard for forces to function properly.
UNISON says the research reveals a toxic combination of factors driving staff dissatisfaction. As well as fears that austerity-era pay has not kept pace with the cost of living, police staff are experiencing a rising tide of mental health issues – notably stress and anxiety – fuelled by intense workloads and a lack of respect towards them within government and the wider public.
Following a summer of public violence, some of which was aimed at police trying to keep order, one police staff member warned abuse and assaults are now so common they have become ‘standardised and normal’. Poor promotion prospects and fatigue were also cited as factors contributing to low morale.
Trade unions representing police staff, including UNISON, announced last week they had accepted a 4.75% pay increase for 2024/25.
But the union says the government and police forces must continue to provide above-inflation increases – as well as better training, development and career opportunities – to ensure high-quality staff can be recruited and retained, says UNISON.
UNISON national officer for police staff Ben Priestley said: “This survey lays bare the struggles faced by staff. From crushing workloads to the clear impact of continued low pay on morale, it’s no wonder one fifth of staff are considering leaving the sector. These are not just issues for employers, but for public safety as well. Police staff are vital in ensuring the smooth running of law enforcement services.
“This year’s pay award was a vital first step. Decent wage increases over the long-term will be needed to address years of real-terms cuts due to austerity.
“The Home Office and police employers must submit an ambitious spending review bid that makes higher wages a priority and brings in long-overdue pay reforms.
“But pay is just one aspect of what keeps police staff committed. The government and police forces must tackle wider concerns if they’re to stop an unsustainable loss of dedicated staff. Reducing workloads, providing training and career opportunities, and good mental health support are all essential if the tide is to turn.”
*The Police staff pay and morale survey received 5,027 responses across police forces, offices of police and crime commissioners, mayoral combined authorities and private sector organisations supporting policing. The results will be discussed at UNISON’s 2024 National Police, Probation and CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) Conference in Llandudno which takes place today and tomorrow (Thursday 10 and Friday 11 October).
