Number of police officers working second jobs doubles in just five years

Thousands of police officers in England and Wales are now working second jobs just to make ends meet, according to new figures obtained by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

Data acquired through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request shows that more than 4,000 officers were approved to take on secondary employment in 2024—double the number recorded in 2019.

The Federation says this surge is a direct result of a worsening pay crisis. Since 2010, real-terms police pay has fallen by 21%, while starting salaries remain at just £29,000. Even after six years’ service, police officers can earn up to £10,000 less than teachers or nurses with similar experience.

“Police officers are overworked, underpaid and under threat. They should not have to finish a shift protecting the public and then work a second job just to pay their bills.

“The impact on their family life or rest and recovery time is scary to think about – but this is a damning indictment of how far police pay has been allowed to fall by successive governments.

“We need pay restoration now, and we need Chief Constables to get off the fence on pay and support their officers.”

Brian Booth, Deputy National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales.

Many of the forces showing the greatest increases – including Essex, Kent, Hampshire, Hertfordshire and Surrey – are among the most expensive areas in the country to live.

The police force areas with the largest percentage increases in officers approved to take second jobs between 2019 and 2024 include:

• Dyfed-Powys: +3,088% (from 9 to 287)
• Essex: +500% (from 30 to 180)
• Cleveland: +421% (from 23 to 120)
• Hampshire: +348% (from 33 to 148)

The actual number of officers working second jobs is likely to be much higher, as nine forces – including the Metropolitan Police, the largest force in the country – refused to provide data.

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