Maternity and adoption leave pay move welcomed

9 December 2020

The chair of Humberside Police Federation says an increase in entitlement to full pay while on maternity or adoption leave will support officers at an important stage in their lives.

Pete Musgrave said the move also underlined the police service’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Officers on maternity or adoption leave will be entitled to full pay for 26 weeks instead of 18 from 4 January 2021.

“To increase officers’ entitlement to full pay while on maternity or adoption leave by a further eight weeks is a really welcome step,” Pete said.

“Becoming a parent is a huge moment and this move will support our members at an important stage in their lives, giving them extra money at a time when they will be building those crucial bonds with the new addition to their families.

“It also demonstrates a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and that we’re always striving to be better.

“We want to ensure that we reflect the communities we serve. 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,” Pete added.

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.