Pay and morale survey is ‘key litmus test’

OFFICERS from across Northumbria Police have been urged to fill in this year’s Police Federation of England and Wales pay and morale survey.

A link to the 15-minute questionnaire has been emailed to every officer in the hope to gauge a better overview of the service. Officers have until 18 May to complete the survey.

Jim Gray, Chairman of Northumbria Police Federation, said: “The survey is important as a key litmus test in terms of what officers feel themselves regarding the job they do, regarding their feelings of how they’re treated and it’s really important to the Federation in terms of seeing fair representations to the police pay and review body.

“It’s a key evidential tool in that process.”

He added: “I think ultimately it’s down to the national Government to show that police officers are valued, that their work is recognised and appropriate measures are brought in to make sure that they are as protected as they can be when they go out there to protect everybody else.”

Past surveys have helped the Federation fight for issues such as public holiday pay and the Away from Home Overnight Allowance.

Speaking as the survey was released, PFEW General Secretary Andy Fittes said: “Members, your opinion matters to us so please do have your say. This survey is the only annual police workforce survey to gather consistent data on officers’ experiences across all 43 forces.

“The more members that complete this questionnaire, the more strength it will give us to keep people at the highest levels of policing informed of our members’ point of view.”