Compensatory Rest - Change to Procedure

20 August 2026

Compensatory Rest - Change to Procedure

Dear Colleagues,

Many of you will now be aware that the Force has released a new procedure regarding compensatory rest.

You will no doubt have noted the requirement for officers to complete their full shift or take TOIL on the day that compensatory rest is taken. This represents a change from what has become standard practice in recent years.

It has been our understanding that where officers had worked extended hours and claimed overtime, there was no requirement to make up the time associated with taking compensatory rest. The Force took a different view.

As your Branch Secretary, I highlighted to the Force the guidance that has previously been provided to Branches by the Police Federation of England and Wales, which indicated there was no expectation for officers to make up those hours. During the initial discussions, it was suggested that the Force seek legal advice on the matter. In
parallel, I obtained independent legal advice to establish whether the position I was advancing on behalf of members was supported in law.

Several weeks ago, I was informed that the Force intended to implement this procedure through departmental leadership. It is normal practice for the Force to consult with the Federation before introducing policies or procedures that have a direct impact on our members, and I made clear that I would be reviewing the proposed process in detail.

The legal advice I received confirmed that the Force's position does not breach either the Working Time Regulations or the Police Regulations 2003. In light of that advice, my focus became securing amendments to the procedure that would better support our members and minimise any adverse impact. Following negotiation, I can confirm that a number of changes were made to the original proposal.

My view has always been that officers should not routinely be expected to work beyond their rostered finish time and, where there is a requirement to make up hours, there should be flexibility in how this is achieved rather than officers simply being required to remain at work later into the evening.

To their credit, the Force listened to those concerns and amended the procedure accordingly. The revised process now provides greater flexibility and allows officers to have professional conversations with their supervisors to agree how any hours may be made up in a way that is reasonable and operationally practical.

Whilst I appreciate that many members will be disappointed by this change, it is important that you are aware that the Federation challenged the proposal, obtained independent legal advice, and successfully negotiated improvements to the final procedure. We will continue to monitor its implementation and seek feedback from members to ensure it is being applied fairly and consistently across the force.

Joe Lloyd
Branch Secretary
Leicestershire Police Federation