Hundreds of rank-and file-officers are considering voluntary severance in the wake of the Winsor reforms to pay and conditions, research has revealed.
A pilot study with Avon and Somerset Constabulary has focused on the impact that government reforms are having on areas such as pensions, retirement, redundancy, fitness testing, direct entry and educational requirements.
The survey of 1,400 officers from PC to chief inspector revealed that half were considering alternative employment with more than 400 pondering voluntary severance.
The research, by the University of the West of England led by Dr James Hoggett, highlighted that almost all of the respondents had no confidence in the long-term government plans and 95 per cent were strongly dissatisfied with the Winsor reviews
The study, commissioned by the Constables Central Committee (CCC) of the Police Federation of England and Wales, stated that officers are not against the need for reform in the service. However, they felt changes should be made in partnership with the police and be independent of politics.
It also identified that morale is low at an individual and organisational level. This was highlighted in a separate survey of officers last November – the results of which will inform Lord Stevens’ Independent Commission on the Future of Policing.
The pilot will be rolled out to the other 42 forces in England and Wales in the form of a survey with 108 questions. This will be sent to all federated members through their police email addresses this Friday (March 1).
Dr Hoggett, a lecturer and criminologist, told PoliceOracle.com that he hoped the research would make the government understand some of the “severe implications” of recent cuts and provide a useful guide for ministers.
He added: “This research provides a secure and validated evidence base to put forward the views of officers and catalogue their issues, which includes the Winsor reforms.
“This can be something that the Police Federation can use to try and negotiate with the government about the issues officers face.
“We have heard a lot from ACPO and the Superintendents’ Association about their response to the changes but not from the rank-and-file officers who are being directly affected by the changes.”
He suggested that the goodwill of officers is being eroded and they are now less inclined to make sacrifices. This would ultimately alter the relationship between police and the public.
Dr Hoggett added: “I was quite surprised that there was such a significant level of agreement in what officers’ concerns were – which focused on their lack of belief in the government’s long-term plans.
“What is frightening for me is the number of officers considering voluntary severance because this throws into question the future of the Police Service with vital skills and experience missing.”
Chairman of the Police Federation for England and Wales Steve Williams said he was not surprised at the results. He added that the report could be presented to the Joint Central Committee to inform their work strategically.
Article courtesy of Jasmin McDermott www.policeoracle.com
3 comments:
This is frightening.
I read Inspector gadgets blog, do you? he has often talked about this and he gets a lot of comments from other officers, and they say they would leave.
What are we to do?
There are two groups who will bite the hand off when this offer is made , should the rumour about levels of pay off be accurate.
Those in the last 5 years of the 30 year career under the old rules and those not pension trapped with 21 plus years to do until they reach 60 years old!
I and many in these categories are watching in anticipation, the ship is sinking and we want to leave.
I totally agree. looking forward to such a scheme coming to us at Cleveland. We can't afford a mounted section but our chief is open to sponsors for them ; maybe pedigree chum ?
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