Nearly one in 12 rank-and-file cops have to take second job to make ends meet, survey finds
The Police Federation of England and Wales, which represents officers from constable up to chief inspector, blames low pay
ALMOST one in 12 rank-and-file cops has taken a second job, a survey says.
The poll of more than 27,000 personnel by the Police Federation of England and Wales put the figure at 7.8 per cent, up 1.5 per cent on last year.
Police are allowed second jobs outside working hours with approval from their force.
The Federation, which represents officers from constable up to chief inspector, blamed the rise on low pay. Its survey found that 44.8 per cent worry about the state of their personal finances almost every day, 11.8 per cent hardly ever had enough money to cover all essentials and 3.8 per cent took out a payday loan last year.
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Federation boss John Apter 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, 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.”
Last month, the Government announced a two per cent pay rise for officers, but the Federation branded that “derisory”.
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The Sun Says
POLICE unions never fail to complain about overwork and stress on the job.
We can understand why. It’s not an easy job. Coppers have our respect.
But the news that one in 12 have second jobs suggests that not all of the wailing about long hours and working conditions are entirely legitimate.
The next time a victim is told there’s nobody available to investigate, they might wonder what their local bobbies are up to.