Manning costs

Manning costs have risen moderately in the past 12 months, checked by easing officer supply shortage, and are forecast to rise at a similar pace for the next five years, according to the latest Manning Annual Review and Forecast report published by Drewry. Manning costs rose for a second successive year in 2019 (around 1 per cent) but the pace of growth remains moderate and well below the prevailing rate of price inflation. Meanwhile, the shortfall in available officer numbers relative to demand has declined close to equilibrium and is expected to reach a small surplus by 2024, but ratings remain in surplus and are expected to remain so.