GMB responds to 'staggering' 18,000 drop in police staff numbers

GMB

Members who deal with emergencies such as at London Bridge, the Manchester Arena and the Grenfell Tower disaster feel grossly undervalued.



GMB has responded to a 'staggering' 18,000 drop in police staff numbers.

Since 2010, 18,533 police staff, including 999 call operators and crime scene workers, have left their profession - more than 23%.

Meanwhile the number of PCSOs has plummeted by 40% in the same period - more than 6,700 officers.

Police staff, along with other public sector workers, have had thousands of pounds pinched from their wages due to a government imposed 1% pay cap which forces them to foot the bill for the 2008 crash.

Earlier in 2017, GMB surveyed its members and found an underpaid, undervalued, overworked and highly stressed workforce where some full time employees had to borrow from parents to clothe their own children.

Kevin Brandstatter, GMB National Officer, said:

"The figures produced by the Home Office vindicate the results of a GMB survey of police staff earlier this year.

“The survey revealed a workforce suffering from overwork, a lack of resources, trying to deliver public safety in a highly stressful environment.

“The continued reduction in the numbers of police staff is staggering.

“A loss of over 18,000 police staff since 2010, and a 40% reduction in the numbers of Police Community Support Officers is an indictment of the political choices made by this Government.

“GMB members work in demanding roles, dealing with life or death phone calls, major emergencies such as at London Bridge, the Manchester Arena and the Grenfell Tower disaster.

“They undertake forensic and crime scene work following appalling crimes and have to cope with the horror and stress which accompanies these roles.

“Police staff feel grossly undervalued, and GMB calls upon the Government to abandon its discredited policies on austerity, stop further job cuts, and provide forces with sufficient funding to employ more staff."

has responded to a 'staggering' 18,000 drop in police staff numbers.

Since 2010, 18,533 police staff, including 999 call operators and crime scene workers, have left their profession - more than 23%.

Meanwhile the number of PCSOs has plummeted by 40% in the same period - more than 6,700 officers.

Police staff, along with other public sector workers, have had thousands of pounds pinched from their wages due to a government imposed 1% pay cap which forces them to foot the bill for the 2008 crash.

Earlier in 2017, GMB surveyed its members and found an underpaid, undervalued, overworked and highly stressed workforce where some full time employees had to borrow from parents to clothe their own children.

Kevin Brandstatter, GMB National Officer, said:

"The figures produced by the Home Office vindicate the results of a GMB survey of police staff earlier this year.

“The survey revealed a workforce suffering from overwork, a lack of resources, trying to deliver public safety in a highly stressful environment.

“The continued reduction in the numbers of police staff is staggering.

“A loss of over 18,000 police staff since 2010, and a 40% reduction in the numbers of Police Community Support Officers is an indictment of the political choices made by this Government.

“GMB members work in demanding roles, dealing with life or death phone calls, major emergencies such as at London Bridge, the Manchester Arena and the Grenfell Tower disaster.

“They undertake forensic and crime scene work following appalling crimes and have to cope with the horror and stress which accompanies these roles.

“Police staff feel grossly undervalued, and GMB calls upon the Government to abandon its discredited policies on austerity, stop further job cuts, and provide forces with sufficient funding to employ more staff."