Police officers across England and Wales are facing unprecedented pressure — and now their hard‑won protections around rest days are under threat.

The Police Federation is calling on the Government not to accept proposals from police chiefs that would significantly weaken safeguards designed to protect officers’ rest, family life and wellbeing.

What’s at Risk

Right now, officers are entitled to a minimum of four hours’ compensation at time and a half when a rest day is cancelled. This recognises the disruption caused to protected rest and family commitments.

However, in a recent submission to the Government‑controlled Police Remuneration Review Body, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) proposed:

- Reducing compensation to time and one‑third,
- Paying only for the exact minutes worked,
- Tightening rules around how cancelled rest days are re‑rostered.

A poll of serving officers shows 85% oppose these changes.

Taken together, these proposals would erode essential protections at a time when morale is already low, retention is poor, and demand on policing is at record levels.

Why This Matters

Policing leaders themselves have acknowledged the service is under unsustainable pressure.

Last summer alone, officers were required to police more than 3,000 protests across the UK. NPCC Chair Gavin Stephens publicly recognised that cancelled leave and redeployments repeatedly disrupted officers’ “precious time with their loved ones”.

With further demonstrations planned — including on Mother’s Day — it is clearer than ever that policing is being held together by officer goodwill, not sufficient capacity.

Our Message to Government

The Federation is urging the Government to reject the NPCC proposals and instead work with officers to strengthen, not dilute, the safeguards that allow them to serve the public safely and sustainably.

Join the Campaign

This forms part of the wider Copped Enough campaign for fair pay, safe working conditions and proper support for police officers.

Stand with the officers who stand up for the public every day.