Eight in 10 Dorset police employees feel underpaid for stress of the job

Police

More than four-fifths (86%) of Dorset police do not feel fairly paid for the stresses and strains of their job, according to the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Pay and morale survey.

The survey, which received 1,296 responses, 362 from Dorset Police and 934 who declined to state their location, also found that nine in ten (91%) overall cited they were underpaid for the stress of the job.

The Pay and morale survey, which is one of the largest annual surveys of police officers conducted within England and Wales, surveyed Dorset police on their pay and conditions and to determine their attitudes towards work, as well as towards the overall police service. 

Just under three-quarters (72%) of respondents from Dorset Police said that they are dissatisfied with their overall remuneration (including basic pay and allowances) and over half (56%) were not happy with their pensions. 

The survey also found that low morale was a major factor in the workplace with more than eight in ten (86%) of Dorset respondents stating it was a problem, with 70% citing this was due to pay, benefits and pension contributions. A further 61% blamed workload and responsibilities, with over one-third (37%) finding the day-to-day job role was a contributing factor. One-third of respondents (37%) also said that opportunities for development and promotion was a cause of low morale, while a further four in ten (39%) said that the treatment by senior management added to this. 

John Apter, national chair of the PFEW, said: “Our Pay and morale survey provides crucial evidence from our members on issues around pay conditions and morale within the service.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of this survey; the findings help us stand up and fight for what our members deserve and ensure their voices are heard.”