Pension uncertainty could be fuelling officer exodus, says Federation

NEARLY 2,500 officers quit policing last year, in many cases to get better paid, less stressful jobs.

The figures also revealed that many experienced officers had decided to turn in their uniforms and leave, despite being close to being able to claim their pensions.

Essex Police Federation said pension uncertainty and the stresses and strains the job put them under were likely factors behind the figures.

Chairman Steve Taylor said: “I think stress and strain will play a part and having to do more with less will inflict a cost.

“But I don’t think you can underestimate pension uncertainty as well. There’s a [legal] challenge underway and I think it’s quite a common view that the net result of that challenge will be the removal of tapering [protection for officers], which is going to directly affect officers at that stage in their careers.

“Perhaps they’re simply not prepared to run the risk of that happening.”

The exodus is leaving a gap in experience in the force, something which can’t readily be replaced with new recruits, Steve added.

“The skills, the experience spread is something that the force, I think because we’re making the arguments, are becoming increasingly aware of.

“It’s all well and good having bums on seats but if there is not much experience around, then your ability to learn, your ability to see good examples going on around you are reduced.

“This isn’t me criticising the average age of the frontline. If all our experience and our skill in terms of length of service for example migrates onto specialisms or, indeed, retires, then those left behind, a criticism they could face is the blind leading the blind.

“I don’t say that to be derogatory, but I think that migration of skills is of concern.”

Resolving pension uncertainty and confusion is not something in most force’s powers either.

“I’d be very surprised and disappointed if the job wasn’t looking to explore that individually with these officers.

“But, ultimately, if it is a financial decision, the force’s ability to offer any reassurance around pensions is non-existent. If it’s a demand, if it’s a capacity question, ie ‘it’s changed so much I no longer enjoy what I’m doing’, again what levers can the force pull to alleviate those concerns?

“I think we should all be worried but at the same time I don’t know what the solution is. It’s all down to individual decisions by those officers who are leaving.”