Nearly two in ten Greater Manchester Police officers say they plan to quit as soon as possible as a new survey revealed the morale crisis currently hitting the force.
The Police Federation of England and Wales’s (PFEW’s) Pay and Morale Survey 2022 has revealed the severity of the plight faced by rank and file officers and highlighted a sense of deepening frustration towards the Government.
The survey, which received 1,586 responses - around 22 per cent of the work force, revealed that 97% of GMP officers reported their cost of living had increased in the last month.
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Nearly 90 per cent of staff said they also felt they were 'worse off' financially than they were five years ago, with 86 per cent saying they were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their overall pay and allowances.
The survey found that 18 per cent of GMP officers said they intended to leave the force as soon as they could and/or within the next two years. Poor morale, how they are treated by the government, the impact of the job on their mental health and pay were said to be leading factors in their decision, the PFEW said.
Frustration isn't just aimed towards the Government either, as many officers cited high work loads, competing demands, long hours and a lack of opportunity for developments as contributing factors to their low morale, the survey found.
'GMP topping the tables for all the wrong reasons'
The Chair of Greater Manchester Police Federation Lee Broadbent said: "The surveys findings reflects the Government’s failure to properly invest in policing and provide fair pay deals and safe working conditions for our members.
"The lack of long-term funding settlements means forces cannot effectively budget to future proof our service. As we swing from one "new" government idea to the next, we see money which could be spent on real term pay increases wasted, which causes frustration amongst our members who have seen their wage packets getting lighter every year."
Two in ten police officers said they "never" or 'almost never' have enough money to cover their essentials which is having a knock-on effect on morale in the work place. Just over 60 per cent of officer said their morale is currently low and 92 per cent of respondents said they felt morale within the force is currently low.
"Retaining highly skilled and experienced police officers is going to be a real challenge in the next few years," Mr Broadbent added.
"Since 2011 we have received three years of pay freezes followed by below inflation pay awards meaning Police Pay is around 28% lower than it should be.
"Last summer I raised concerns around retention after I found that 40% of the 208 voluntary resignations in GMP were experienced officers. Last year, nationally, 1,633 experienced officers voluntarily resigned from the police which is around 45% of all voluntary resignations."
Mr Broadbent said that officers who have since left the force frequently tell him the main reason they left policing was to find a better balance between work and home-life and less stress for better or equal pay.
The survey also revealed that many police officers felt their workloads were 'too high' with over 80 per cent indicating they had experienced feelings of stress, low mood, anxiety or other difficulties with their health and wellbeing over the last twelve months.
Over 40 per cent of respondents also said they have experienced verbal insults, such as swearing, shouting, or abuse at least once per week in the last year.
"These findings paint the real picture of what it takes to turn an underperforming force around," Mr Broadbent said. "Discipline and appearance has its place, but no amount of bulled boots, neatly cut hair or colour conforming nail varnish can replace the dedication and commitment to duty our members provide.
"Seemingly Greater Manchester Police are topping the tables again; But this time it’s for all the wrong reasons. GMP is performing because of the handwork, long hours and the sense of duty displayed by our members."
What GMP say
In a letter which was sent to all GMP officers, Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said: "The Police Federation of England and Wales yesterday (Wednesday 11 January 2023) published the findings of its’ Pay and Morale Survey 2022.
"On behalf of the Chief Officer Team and your Senior Leadership Team, I am writing to you to thank those of you who responded – ultimately, helping us better understand your views so we can tailor our investment and support. There was some notable feedback which GMP will take on board.
"We have already committed to doing much more of this in future and, in the 2022 Change Programme, we had already agreed to establish a team dedicated to staff engagement to enable us to better and more consistently communicate with you.
"We know listening to the workforce, reacting to feedback and letting you know what has happened as a result of your views has been a gap in GMP for many years. The investment in the staff engagement team will result in you seeing a massive difference in 2023.
"We recognise the impact the cost of living crisis is having on our workforce. The force’s Ethics committee has already met to discuss how it is affecting you and what support we can put in place for your welfare. Work is ongoing and you will be updated in due course with any notable developments.
"Your morale, health and wellbeing is of the highest importance to us. Through the force’s Wellbeing Board, we are working with representatives of each district and branch, trade unions and staff representative bodies to identify themes and ensure you are supported in recognising when you and we need to prioritise your wellbeing and in knowing who you can reach out to when you need more support.
"We have also significantly invested in our occupational health and wellbeing service which you can access via the intranet.
"There is nothing more important than your safety and we are aware of the impact of violence and physical injuries you may be subjected to on both you and your families.
"We are on course to exceed our target to recruit extra officers under the Police Uplift Programme and, during 2023, the number of police officers in GMP will be the highest it has been for many years. These officers are focused on extra support and resilience to the front line and Detective roles.
"Complemented by our imminent announcement on improved uniform and PPE, a new and improved fleet, equipment and IT, we will make sure you are best equipped to do your job and be best protected in doing so.
"For those who intend to harm you in the line of duty – the Chief Constable is personally determined that we will continue to support their prosecution.
"Though policing is a career during which we will undoubtedly encounter trauma and stress, many would say it is also a huge privilege to be part of our vocation and that there is nothing more rewarding than serving our communities - if you are intending to leave or, conversely, would like to progress, please reach out to your line manager. There is so much talent in GMP and we do not want good police officers and staff to leave.
"Our journey to improvement seeks to make GMP a more attractive place to work, where your welfare is front and centre and where demand and capacity is well managed/
"I hope that this letter provides some reassurance as to the action we are already taking to address the issues highlighted by the report. We are genuinely committed to making GMP the best police force for you and our communities."
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