Police Morale Hits Rock Bottom After 12 Years of Pay Woes
New data from the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) 2021 Pay and Morale Survey paints a grim picture for officers after more than a decade of pay caps and freezes. The results reveal a police force struggling financially and emotionally, with morale at an all-time low.
Kent Police Feeling the Pinch
- 64% of Kent Police officers say they are worse off financially than five years ago.
- 13% admit they rarely have enough money to cover essentials.
- A staggering 78% report low morale in the force.
- 68% say their workload in the past year has been too high or much too high.
Even more damning, 75% of the 948 Kent officers surveyed are unhappy with their pay and benefits. Meanwhile, 65% wouldn’t recommend joining the police today, and 10% plan to quit within two years or sooner.
Pay Freeze Amid Rising Costs
Last year’s “generous” pay rise was a flat 0%. With soaring household bills and a National Insurance hike looming, officers’ real earnings have plunged. Over the last decade, police pay has dropped by 18% in real terms, while officer numbers shrink and workloads balloon.
Police Federation Demands Fair Pay Now
“This is a high pressure role with long hours and demand outstripping the workload of colleagues,” said Neil Mennie, Chair of the Kent Police Federation.
Mennie slammed Government lip service, saying: “Policing should be supported properly. The so-called ‘extra officers’ won’t fix the root problems. Morale is being shredded by pay freezes and mixed messages from politicians.”
He warned, “Without an independent, fair system for pay rises—one not controlled by Government ministers—officer morale will continue to spiral.”
Mennie also highlighted the changing police workforce, stressing the loss of experienced officers would make matters worse. “Our dedicated officers work tirelessly despite the strain, but many are quietly shelving their worries just to get through the day.”
He added, “With 65% of officers unwilling to recommend policing as a career, and many seeking early exits, the future looks uncertain unless urgent action is taken.”
