Struggling Officers Need ‘Drastic Improvement’ In Pay

Police officers will continue struggling to make ends meet without a “drastic improvement” in pay, South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.

Chair Steve Kent revealed only recently the force’s foodbank remained “very needed and sought after” due to the strain felt by police.

He warned officers young and old were feeling the squeeze due to a combination of the ongoing cost of living crisis, poor wages and unsatisfactory pay awards.

Steve said: “I’m not surprised people are struggling. Unlike other professions, in the vast majority of cases police officers can’t get a second job.

“Not that they should need one, but it’s not even an option for them.

“People are really struggling, especially with interest rates as they are. Unless there’s drastic improvement in police pay, I can’t see this improving.”

Steve’s comments follow a report from Metfriendly, the UK police family finance specialists, revealing a potential crisis in officer retention.

A total of 55% of officers said financial stress was severely affecting their wellbeing, while just 34% remained positive about the job after between one and five years’ service.

Steve said: “We need common sense positions from Government on police officers who can’t take annual leave during summer holidays, A) because of the cost, and B) because they can’t get leave.

“We just need there to be a less hostile environment towards ourselves and other public sector workers, because it seems that we are the ones who are getting squeezed by everything.

“It’s all very well saying we’ve got gold-plated pensions, but those pensions are there for a reason in terms of the life expectancy of our officers.

“That also puts strain on them, because I don’t think people realise the enormous cost pensions have on our officers in their monthly pay packet.”