Hampshire Police Fed says officers are struggling

They are struggling financially, physically and psychologically.

However, it is neither a shock nor a surprise, says the chair of the county police federation, Zoe Wakefield. 

Research done by the Police Federation of England Wales found that 12 per cent of those surveyed said they intend to resign from the police service either “within the next two years” or “as soon as [they] can”.

The survey also found that 84 per cent of officers in Hampshire felt they were poorer than they were five years ago.

Meanwhile, 78 per cent of officers are also dissatisfied with their overall remuneration and 18 per cent say they never or almost never have enough money to cover all their essentials.

Last year police officers were given an average of a five per cent pay rise – half of the levels of inflation.

With the cost-of-living crisis, household bills rose sharply and over the past 12 years police officer pay fell in real terms by 25 per cent, says Ms Wakefield.

Zoe Wakefield, Chair of Hampshire Police Federation (Image: Archive)

READ MORE: Almost half of all police officers in Hampshire worrying about their finances

Over 92 per cent of officers said they didn't feel respected by the Government

A staggering 92 per cent of officers also said they did not feel respected by the Government, and three-fifths said they would not recommend joining the police force to others.

In reaction, Ms Wakefield said: “The Government cannot continue to underfund police forces, disrespect officers at every opportunity and not pay police officers what they deserve. Policing is a difficult and stressful job which many could not do.

“Those who become police officers to make a difference and help those in need, do not deserve to be treated this way. Assaults on officers are increasing. The number of experienced officers leaving is increasing. Many forces are struggling to recruit.

“I know of officers who still love policing but have been forced to leave to get a better paid job in the private sector. This is wrong."

'Food banks aren't the solution, but a decent wage can be'

In reaction, the leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Satvir Kaur said it's "terrifying" that people's wages no longer cover the basics.

She said: "It’s clear that food banks are not the solution, but a decent wage can be.

"It's why as a council we are working towards Southampton becoming a Real Living Wage City. This means wages go up in line with the rising cost of living".

The Labour councillor added: "It's time the national Government recognised this too."

Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen Royston Smith said: "Total police funding has increased by up to £1.1 billion, providing up to £16.9 billion for the policing system.

"Additionally, every police officer received a £1,900 uplift to their salary last year which equalled up to an 8.8 per cent increase for those on the lower salary bands."

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