A quarter of police officers with less than five years' service are thinking of quitting

The survey of 10,000 officers revealed one in five want to take second jobs to make ends meet and 13% of those in the job less than a year were exploring other avenues. A third of those with fewer than five years experience expect their finances to worsen and 46% of those in the job less than a year had "significant financial concerns".

Federation chiefs say the situation has become so bad that officers have resorted to using food banks. Metfriendly, financial experts for the police community, conducted the survey which found 55% felt financial stress was severely affecting their wellbeing, with job satisfaction declining sharply.

Some 9,000 officers left policing in England and Wales last year. Leanne Carr, a former sergeant with Lincolnshire Police, left the force in 2018. She said poor pay and working conditions were a factor, and she is now earning more as a personal trainer online. Leanne, who was in the police for five years, said: "The pressure was immense. There was no work-life balance. I went through some dark times and did not feel there was enough support. For what you go through as well, the money simply is not good enough."

She added: "The situation is a crisis. It will get worse unless those in charge start to do something." Gary Heseltine, 64, from West Yorkshire, said he was forced to quit British Transport Police early. "The pressure from those above me was immense," he said. "I had other interests to pursue and have made more money doing that and have more enjoyment."

Andy Spence, chairman of Leicestershire Police Federation, said: "The stress and strain police officers are under is immense. It's shameful that police officers are having to use food banks and are having their rest days and annual leave cancelled. We are struggling to retain officers. They are paid poorly and the danger is increasing - 125 police officers are assaulted on average every day in England and Wales. The Government needs to properly fund policing."

Metfriendly's CEO, Annette Petchey, said: "When nearly a quarter of early-career officers are already considering leaving, it's clear we need broader support at every stage of their careers. The cost of recruiting, training and paying a new officer exceeds £100,000 in their first two years, meaning any rise in leavers will put further strain on an already cash-strapped service." The Home Office was approached for comment.