‘Half hour for the King’: knowing your rights

19 September 2025

The phrase ‘working half an hour for the King’ has persisted in policing culture for decades, often accompanied by the perception that officers are routinely expected to give up 30 minutes unpaid. However, in reality:

In 1994, the Police Federation negotiated the buy-out of the first 30 minutes of casual overtime (on the first four occasions each week) for £270.
That £270 was added to basic, pensionable pay and has increased with every pay award since. Today, it is worth £445.
This means officers are, and always have been, paid for these half hours whether they are worked or not.
As this compensation is pensionable, officers also continue to benefit in retirement. An officer retiring today will receive around £1,640 extra in their lump sum and £212 per annum extra in their pension as a direct result of the 1994 agreement.

In light of the recent controversy surrounding ‘half an hour for the King’, North Yorkshire Police Federation wants to remind members of their rights in relation to overtime:

Recording of duty time

Any duty performed beyond rostered hours must be recorded.
Officers should not feel compelled to work additional time informally.

Unplanned vs. pre-planned overtime

Unplanned overtime arises when an incident or task unexpectedly overruns.
Pre-planned overtime should be authorised in advance where it is foreseeable that additional time will be needed (e.g. file preparation, statements, or scheduled operations).
Pre-planned overtime rules (under Police Regulations)
Where members are informed at or before the commencement of their tour or shift that they will be required to remain on duty after it ends:
If they work less than 15 minutes’ pre-planned overtime, they will not be eligible for any allowance.
If they work between 15 and 29 minutes’ pre-planned overtime, they will be paid for the first 15 minutes only.
If they work 30 or more minutes, they will be eligible for overtime for each completed 15-minute period.

Impact of non recording

Failing to record your time means the Force never sees the true demands being placed on its officers. Accurately logging overtime ensures that resources are allocated fairly and highlights pressure points where staffing may need to change.

Chair of North Yorkshire Police Federation Rob Bowles said: “We also want to encourage supervisors to make use of pre-planned overtime where operationally appropriate. Not only will pre-planned overtime allow officers to prepare and manage their work/life commitments, but it will also help ensure they feel valued.”

He added: “During the summer period, North Yorkshire Police instigated a Gold Strategic Demand meeting, due to the high demand required across the Force.

“As a result, the Force utilised officers from all departments to assist our response colleagues.

“If this scenario would occur again, we would urge the Force to consider acknowledging this as pre-planned overtime, by way of recognising their hard work and dedication.”

If you have any questions or concerns around planned overtime, please contact your local Federation representative.