Humberside Police Officers "Struggling" With Cost of Living

84% of officers at the force feel ‘worse off’ financially than they were five years ago and 97% have reported an increased cost of living.

The figures come from Police Federation of England and Wales' 2023 Pay and Morale report.

It says the current financial pressures have left 16% of Humberside's police officers never or almost never having enough money to cover all the essentials.

610 officers from the force took part in the national research.

Last year police officers across England and Wales were given an average of a 5% pay rise – which the Police Federation says was "way below inflation booming now at more than 10%". The Federation says "household bills are rising sharply and over the past 12 years police officer pay has fallen in real terms by 25%."

78% of respondents from Humberside Police said that they are ‘dissatisfied’ and ‘very dissatisfied’ with their overall remuneration (including basic pay and allowances).

They are also being attacked by members of the public. 19% reported that they had suffered one or more injuries that required medical attention as a result of work-related violence in the last year.

Lee Sims, Chair of Humberside Police Federation, said:

“97% of colleagues stating the cost of living has increased shows exactly what we are seeing locally with increased numbers coming to the Federation asking for help with finances down to just putting food on the table.

“We also recognise the 69% who worry about their finances every day or almost every day.

“With regards to officer pay, we are not surprised at all with the concerning figures… due to us now being approximately 25% behind in real terms pay since 2010.

“The impact of the cost of living crisis coupled with the appalling pay awards being made by this Government over the last 10 years are putting more and more pressure on our members at all ranks.

“Humberside Police Federation work closely with the force and welcome the force’s continued commitment and support for members’ wellbeing and in creating a culture where they feel supported locally. However, we are extremely concerned that officers struggle on a daily basis just to make ends meet, something that is a national issue and we call on the government to take action to support our officers”

“We have seen an increase in the number of officers using our local initiatives such as ‘Feed Your kid for a Quid’ campaign and having to be sign posted to our partners to be given financial help and guidance. We also are seeing an increase in referrals to our local welfare and benevolent charity which exists to assist officers and staff going through really difficult times.

“We call upon the Government to recognise that policing remains unique in terms of our right to withdraw labour – the fact that we can’t do that - and we should be recognised and remunerated accordingly.”

On the survey results, Chief Constable Lee Freeman said;

“Locally, my officers are not immune to the financial pressures that many across all of our communities are facing. Indeed financial challenges were described as one of the most significant factors affecting police officers’ morale in this year’s survey.  Whilst the causes of the cost of living crisis are out of my control, what I can influence is the culture and wellbeing offer that the force provides to its officers and staff. As such I am grateful for the work of the Humberside Police Federation and our in-house Wellbeing Team for finding unique ways to provide support, advice, and guidance to officers and staff as we navigate these difficult times.

“An officer’s role is highly pressurised and stressful, so the wellbeing of those protecting our communities needs to be our number one priority. What really does affect officers’ wellbeing, and is something which I will not abide, is officers and staff being assaulted and injured as part of their work. There were more than 700 officer assaults reported last year, and that’s not something we as a community should accept, particularly when they step forward to support our communities in times of need."

Mr Freeman added;

“The results are important for us so that we can continue to improve the organisation, both for our staff and our communities. While we may be an outstanding force, and once again continue to have some of the lowest levels of reported low morale in the country, we will not rest until all our staff and communities, feel this to be the case.

“In the last few years, our officer numbers have grown by more than 800, with more to come in the next 12 months. The benefits of these additional staff will be felt across the force this year, however this year’s survey shows there’s a real risk that retaining officers, both recent recruits and experienced officers alike, may be the next big challenge for us.  We are working hard as a leadership team to ensure that those that join us want to stay within policing.

“I’d like to thank all my officers and staff, along with the continued support I have had from the Humberside Police Federation branch, in helping me drive positive change throughout the force over the last six years. It has been a team effort and one which is strengthening public trust and confidence in Humberside Police.”