South Yorkshire Police survey highlights 'low morale' among officers

South Yorkshire Police said it hoped to make the force an "inviting and encouraging workplace"

More than 80% of South Yorkshire Police officers have experienced stress or low mood over the past year, according to a survey by their union.

A similar proportion felt financially worse off than five years ago, while 17% said they "never or almost never" had enough funds to cover essentials.

The Police Federation of England and Wales heard from 409 force officers for its Pay and Morale Report 2023.

The force said it hoped to create an "inviting and encouraging workplace".

According to the report, 41% of respondents said their job was "very or extremely stressful", while 14% of officers said they needed medical attention for one or more work-related violence injuries in the last year.

Dave Baines, secretary of the South Yorkshire Police Federation, said the figures were "shocking and saddening in equal measure".

"We must remember the police officers behind them who are suffering," he said. "These are real people; mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. Not robots."

'Hungry, poor, with low morale'

Mr Baines said it was not right that hard-working police officers were "hungry, poor, with low morale."

"The government can at least attempt to fix this by properly paying police officers who are out there every day catching criminals, keeping people safe and showing outstanding bravery," he said. "The 99.99% of officers who put their lives on the line every day and work unbelievably long hours need to be acknowledged. We need fair pay for policing."

South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Lauren Poultney said the leadership team would continue to work with the union.

She said: "I want our officers to be assured that I recognise the issues highlighted.

"While South Yorkshire Police officers hold tremendous amounts of professionalism and passion for the job, I know times are hard for everyone at the moment and this includes my workforce."

Ms Poultney said she was now co-chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council board, working to improve wellbeing provision locally and nationally.