CUTS to front-line policing in North Yorkshire mean staff are under increased pressure and forced to neglect tasks, according to a “disturbing” survey of rank and file officers.

Figures released to The Press from the North Yorkshire Police Federation show 31.7 per cent of the 438 officers who took part say neglect tasks as they have too much to do while 62.9 per cent said they sometimes, often or always have unachievable deadlines.

A third (34.9 per cent) of respondents say they have used holiday instead of calling in sick and a quarter (25.3 per cent) say they do not know how to report an injury on duty and 22.3 per cent said they are not clear on how to report in sick.

The Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said the figures show remaining officers are under increased pressure.

Mark Botham, Federation chairman, said: “At a time when we have seen a reduction of over 300 officers these figures make disturbing reading.

“We pledge our commitment to work with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan and our new chief constable, Dave Jones, to address the issues in them on behalf of our members so we have a healthy, motivated and effective police force.”

More than a quarter of officers say they have been subjected to personal harassment in the form of unkind words or behaviour, 20.1 per cent say there is often friction or anger between colleagues while 3.6 per cent say it is always present, and 41.3 per cent think relationships at work are strained.

About 70 per cent of staff said they disagreed they were consulted over changes. However, 62.4 per cent agreed they get the help and support they need from colleagues and 90.2 per cent said their colleagues would help them sometimes, often or always if work gets difficult.

The Police Federation survey, using HSE management standards, was conducted between December and January.

It has invited the force and the PCC to conduct the same survey but to include police staff and non-federated police ranks to compare results.

Commenting on the results, Julia Mulligan said: “There are some very positive results, as well as areas that warrant deeper analysis and understanding. I am looking forward to discussing the findings with Mark Botham at a meeting early next month.

“This is part of my ongoing dialogue with the Federation.

“In addition, as part of delivering the ‘people first’ element of my Police And Crime Plan, I can also reveal that we are in the final stages of developing an enhanced workforce benefits scheme, which will be launched later this year.”

Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal said: “It is disappointing the Police Federation has chosen to publicise the results of the survey before engaging with chief officers on these important issues, especially as we have a track record of working closely with them to develop improved working arrangements for all our staff and officers.

“The results present a number of important messages from around a third of our officers. The chief officer team values the opportunity to work with Police Federation colleagues and is committed to ensuring that all our officers and staff feel supported and able to deliver the best possible service to the communities we all serve.

“It is important that we take the time to digest the results and establish how we, with the Federation, can use the feedback to further improve the way we deliver policing in North Yorkshire and the City of York.”