Police officers are being forced to take a second job to make ends meet

One in 12 police officers have a second job to make ends meet, a poll has found.

The survey of more than 27,000 members of the Police Federation revealed that 7.8 per cent had additional work – up from 6.3 per cent last year. 

Officers can take on additional employment – such as taxi driving – outside their working hours if their force approves.

One in 12 police officers have a second job to make ends meet, according to a Police Federation survey of 27,000 members (stock image)

The federation, which represents ranks from constable to chief inspector in England and Wales, also found that 44.8 per cent worried about money almost daily.

It also found that 3.8 per cent had taken out a payday loan over the past year.

John Apter, chair of the PFEW, said the results ‘make grim reading’.

He said: ‘Our members are clearly suffering from even worse financial pressures than last year, with some appearing to be in dire straits.

‘Our members are under immense pressure to deliver, with dwindling resources and rising crime, particularly violent crime, leading to a demand for our services that has never been higher.

‘All they want is to be adequately paid for the job that they do.

‘We know officers are struggling and some have had to resort to food vouchers and other welfare schemes.

‘This clearly cannot be right or acceptable that those employed to keep the public safe cannot make ends meet or put food on tables for their families.’

Last month, the Government announced police officers will be awarded a pay rise of 2% in 2018 to 2019 – but the PFEW labelled the increase ‘derisory’.

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott accused the Conservatives of being ‘in total denial about the misery that their cuts to public services have caused’.

Officers can take a second job, such as taxi driving, if their force approves it. Of the officers polled 7.8 per cent said they had a additional work (stock image)

Officers can take a second job, such as taxi driving, if their force approves it. Of the officers polled 7.8 per cent said they had a additional work (stock image)

She added: ‘Police officers are already being asked to do more with less, resulting in overwork and stress.’

A Home Office spokeswoman said: ‘We are grateful to all police officers for the incredible job they do – and will continue to ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.

‘The police pay award for 2018/19 represents the highest consolidated pay award since 2010. And the number of people joining police forces is at a 10-year high which demonstrates policing is still a desirable and sought-after career.’

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for pay and conditions Francis Habgood said: ‘In the past few years, we have seen increasing demand on policing with rising overall recorded crime levels, more complex crimes being committed, a growing terrorist threat and, more than ever, the police being called as a last resort when other agencies lack their own capacity.

‘We know that hard working police officers are feeling the strain. Limited pay increases in recent years mean that some officers struggle to keep their heads above water financially.

‘Police forces actively encourage officers to seek support if they run into financial difficulties and these arrangements are being strengthened.’  



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