The idea of moral injury is perhaps best known in the health sector, naming the longterm stress that impacts on dedicated staff who are unable to respond to the distress of people they meet because of a poverty of resources.
But we are now seeing moral injury across many public services:
– schools arranging counselling for teachers no longer able to refer vulnerable children to social services;
– police officers attending serious incidents involving people and addresses where warning signs have previously had to be skipped over;
– housing officers unable to find a home anywhere for a family, even with young children.
Some right-wing politicians talk about the merits of the small state. This is usually linked to lectures about productivity in the public sector.
Productivity here isn’t what it usually means – companies buying the latest equipment so that people can do their best work – instead of investment these politicians are talking in code about fewer staff and lower wages.
In economics, reducing the revenue available, not increasing the capital invested. All to make room for tax cuts for wealthier people.
Where does this road lead to? I’d suggest it leads to burnout, followed by workforce exodus, leading to service collapse, and usually a public scandal but blaming an individual (usually a female manager, especially in the tabloids) instead of questioning the paymasters.
As with the breakthrough scandal of the Post Office, we paradoxically need more public scandals to save public services.
Tony Baldwinson 
Perhaps I’m missing something, in regards to productivity in this country. I’ve heard that this country’s collective productivity is worse that other, similar countries’.
But my view (from the “wrong” side of town) is one of low pay and struggle for workers. I believe that the wastage and over-pay is all going to our top-heavy (and useless) managers, board members and shareholders.
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Your point about the need for public scandals to highlight these issues is thought-provoking. Scandals, such as the Post Office case, do indeed bring much-needed attention to systemic failures. However, relying on scandals for reform is a risky and reactive approach. A proactive stance focusing on sustainable investment in public services, recognising the long-term benefits of well-supported public sector workers, and addressing the root causes of moral injury would be more effective.
In conclusion, the road we’re currently on is unsustainable and ethically troubling. The solution lies in a fundamental reassessment of our public service models, prioritising ethical practices, adequate resourcing, and genuine support for those on the front lines of public service. Only then can we hope to mitigate the risk of moral injury and ensure that our public services can function effectively and compassionately.
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