Federation welcomes change to maternity and adoption leave pay

9 December 2020

An increase in the length of paid maternity or adoption leave has been welcomed by the secretary of Derbyshire Police Federation.

Kirsty Bunn was commenting after it was announced that officers on maternity or adoption leave will be entitled to full pay for 26 weeks instead of 18 from 4 January 2021.

“Welcoming a new arrival into your home is a momentous period and this change in policy shows a commitment to supporting our colleagues at important stages in their lives,” says Kirsty.

“It’s a period when you’re concentrating on building a bond with your new child, so to give new parents that extra paid time is really positive and welcome step.

“It sends out a strong message in terms of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

“We want to reflect the communities we serve and protect and family-friendly policies like this, at a time when we’re going through a recruitment drive, will only help us attract and retain a more diverse workforce.”

The additional maternity and adoption pay benefits were gained for members through the Police Federation of England and Wales’ participation in the Police Consultative Forum (PCF), the voluntary forum for employer and staff representative bodies.

Further guidance is expected before next year from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) National Reward Team (NRT) about the implementation of the new regulations, including clarification for those already on maternity or adoption leave.

Alex Duncan, national Federation secretary, said: “This is a win-win for both society and the forces. Policing is keen to improve diversity and to be better reflective of society. In order to do this, it’s important not only to attract a more diverse workforce but to retain it.

“This is a positive step in enabling those on maternity or adoption leave to be able to better balance having a family with remaining in the police.”

Read the new regulations and contact the Federation if you need more information.