An annual survey launched this week will give Federation members the chance to make their voices heard loud and clear in the corridors of power.
Staffordshire Police Federation is calling on its members to take part in the 2021 pay and morale survey, which is online and aims to gather views from officers on the frontline.
The results will then be used to support the Police Federation of England and Wales’ campaign for fairer pay for officers.
Staffordshire branch chair Phil Jones said: “This annual survey always provides a fairly accurate picture of the mood of our frontline officers and this year it seems more pertinent than ever.
“The feelings of anger and betrayal over the public sector pay freeze should not be underestimated and I have no doubt its impact on officer morale will be made crystal clear when the findings are published.
“For that reason I think it is extremely important that all our members take part in the survey and let the Government know exactly how they feel about the way they have been treated.”
National chair John Apter said the survey was the only consistent national survey that represented member attitudes on pay and conditions, and the results would play a vital part in supporting the ongoing fairer pay campaign 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 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 service said their treatment had played a major impact on their intention to leave.
John said: “The Government’s decision to freeze police officer pay was met with huge disappointment and anger by our members.
“The current Police Remuneration Review Body (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, the Police Federation launched a national campaign with the aim to reset police-Government relations and fight for a fairer pay system that acknowledges the tremendous efforts of police officers who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe.
It withdrew from the PRRB after recommendations from the body were once again disregarded by the Government, leaving officers with no uplift in pay despite the efforts and challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The latest survey is being conducted by the Police Federation’s in-house research department, which plays a vital part in providing strategically important evidence to achieve better pay and conditions for members.
A link to the survey will be sent to members this week, and officers have until Tuesday 30 November to complete it.
