Police Officers Working Second Jobs Double Across England, Wales Amid Pay Crisis

Police officers across England and Wales are increasingly taking on second jobs to cope with the rising cost of living, with more than 4,000 officers approved for secondary employment in 2024—double the number recorded in 2019. Sussex officers, in particular, face significant financial strain, with 126 registered second jobs in May 2025, reflecting the county's status as one of the most expensive outside London. This trend is driven by a 21% fall in real-terms police pay since 2010, leaving officers earning significantly less than comparable professions like teachers and nurses, even after years of service. Brian Booth, Deputy National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, criticized the situation as a 'damning indictment' of police pay, highlighting the toll on officers' family life and recovery time. The National Police Chiefs’ Council and staff associations are advocating for pay raises of around 3.8% to 4.8% to address this pay crisis. Forces such as Surrey, Essex, and South Wales have seen dramatic increases in officers working second jobs, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue amid ongoing financial pressures.