Police staff at breaking point over low pay, intense workloads and high stress, says Unison

A survey of more than 5,000 skilled police staff working alongside police officers reveals more than one in five (21 per cent) 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, published on Thursday (October 10) reveals more than half of respondents (51 per cent) are not satisfied with their current role. Just one in ten respondents are content with their jobs.

Of the staff surveyed, more than four in ten (47 per cent) admitted their own morale was low, while almost two-thirds (64 per cent) 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 per cent) 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, said Unison.

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 per cent pay increase for 2024/25.

But the unions say 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, said Unison.

Unison national officer for police staf,f 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.”