NEWS
GUIDANCE ON LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS
Forces have misled officers on Time Off for Dependants and Parental Bereavement Leave entitlements
The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has raised concerns to police chiefs over the number of forces misleading officers and denying them their entitlements to Time Off for Dependants (TOfD) and Parental Bereavement Leave. This follows stark findings from a PFEW examination of policies on TOfD, which revealed force policies are wrongly removing pay, limiting entitled days and downplaying when it can be used. All force TOfD policies were examined on beneficial entitlement, shockingly revealing that just one out of 43 is close to acceptable. TOfD is treated as duty, and – yet, worryingly, in some areas policies state “there is no legal right to be paid”. A number of forces limit the number of paid days an individual officer can take. Force policies cannot override regulations, and the regulations do not state such restrictions. Additionally, the regulations do not limit the number of occasions per year the entitlement can be taken. TOfD is about caring and providing support for loved ones, but can cover other circumstances. For example, a widowed uncle who has no children or a family friend or neighbour may be covered for some parts of the entitlement if they rely on a member to help them when they’re in difficulty. Disappointingly, PFEW found many forces downplay the entitlement within documents that do not
explain the extensiveness of the policy. However, good practice was found in Gloucestershire Constabulary. As well as explaining the procedure, it provides practical examples of circumstances when TOfD can be taken.
Issues were also found with Parental Bereavement Leave, which is a new type
something they should instead be actively promoting to enable those with dependants to remain as police officers and continue to serve the public. “If this is partly a cost-cutting exercise,
“The cost of losing those with invaluable experience massively outweighs the cost of paying officers to leave”
of paid leave relating to the death of a child. Many forces have devised policies that represent this as being in place of, rather than in addition to TOfD provisions. PFEW National Equality Lead Ian Saunders said: “Time Off for Dependants and Parental Bereavement Leave is a hugely important benefit to all our members.
“Unfortunately, we have found forces
systematically try to downplay, or even misrepresent these entitlements in their policies which is deeply concerning. “The low take-up of TOfD in most forces is a sign they have effectively minimised
then forces are mistaken. The cost of losing those in service with invaluable experience massively outweighs the cost of paying officers to take this leave. “There is also a need for culture change as we found officers taking this leave are made to feel they are letting their team down or should be grateful
for taking TOfD leave even in instances where this is less than their entitlement. “If forces want to successfully recruit and, just as importantly, retain, they need to see the bigger picture. “We have presented our findings to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and we would urge chiefs to act upon it.” PFEW will be analysing similar policy
areas to drive positive change for members going forward.
If you are experiencing any issues with Time Off for Dependants and/or Parental Bereavement Leave, please contact your Fed rep.
05 | POLICE | AUGUST 2022
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