Page 20 - WMPF Federation FebMar2021-Hi_Neat

Demand, capacity and welfare survey

Staff levels biggest

concern for Fed

members according

to survey

staggering 83 per cent of West given the necessary equipment needed to
Midlands staff feel there are not protect them from Covid-19 while at work.
A enough officers in their team to do The survey revealed “Coronavirus is affecting us all, in
the job properly, according to a recent different ways, both on a personal level and
Federation survey. 77 per cent of at work,” says Jon, “But in addition to our
The annual national Police Federation of respondents from normal worries and concerns, members also
England and Wales demand, capacity and West Midlands Police have to deal with working on the frontline
welfare survey was carried out last year with had experienced feelings and putting their health at risk every day.

“While these results must be taken
the results being published on a force by of stress, low mood, seriously, we need to also remember that
force level on 1 February. these are unusual times, which could be
Jon Nott, chair of West Midlands Police anxiety, or other health having a direct effect on the concerns of our
Federation, said: “I’m concerned to hear that and wellbeing difficulties members.”
members feel they can’t fulfil their roles over the past A total of 33 per cent called their job
properly due to the lack of staff but the 12 months “very or extremely stressful” with 68 per cent
results aren’t totally unexpected. of respondents saying they were in good
“We’ve faced a national pandemic over health overall and 37 per cent reporting
the past 12 months, which means the Force never or rarely being able to take the full rest
has been stretched. We are living and cent saying this had occurred more break entitlement.
working through uncertain and abnormal frequently during the Covid-19 crisis. When questioned about work-related
times but hopefully, as we continue with the Just over a third (35 per cent) suggested violence, 20 per cent of West Midlands
current recruitment drive, we will have extra they are either very, or extremely worried respondents said they had suffered one or
officers to share the load going forward.” about the impact the Covid-19 crisis will more injuries but only 12 per cent reported
have on them personally.
The survey also revealed 77 per cent of But around two thirds felt they were work-related accidents.
respondents from West Midlands Police had Nationwide, around a quarter of officers
experienced feelings of stress, low mood,
anxiety, or other health and wellbeing We’ve faced a national pandemic over
difficulties over the past 12 months. “
“Obviously it’s never pleasant to hear the past 12 months, which means the
that so many of my colleagues and fellow
members have faced mental health or Force has been stretched. We are living
wellbeing issues,” added Jon.
“I’m hoping that as awareness of mental and working through uncertain and
health is increasing throughout the Force,
officers will feel more comfortable in opening abnormal times but hopefully, as we
up and accessing the support they need.”
On average, officers gave their job continue with the current recruitment
satisfaction a rating of five out of 10, with 63
per cent reporting that their workload is too
high. drive, we will have extra officers to share
Results also indicated that the pandemic
is having an ongoing effect on officers and the load going forward.
the job, with 43 per cent reporting to being “
single-crewed often, or always, and 12 per

20 federation February/March 2021 www.polfed.org/westmids