‘Hands off our rest days’: Federation meets with Chief Constable amid dispute over policing proposals

31 March 2026

Police leaders have been urged to reconsider controversial proposals to weaken compensation for cancelled rest days, as rank-and-file representatives warn the changes could deepen a growing crisis in officer welfare and frontline resilience.

Police officers are currently entitled to a minimum of four hours’ compensation at time and a half when they are required to work on a cancelled rest day or bank holiday, recognising the disruption to protected rest and family commitments.

In its submission to the Government-controlled Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB), police chiefs have proposed to remove that safeguard, with officers paid at time and one-third, calculated in 15-minute increments, for the exact time worked.

The submission also seeks to tighten the rules around how cancelled rest days are re-rostered.

 

Branch vice chair Matt Paisley

 

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has already issued a national warning to the Government, arguing that plans put forward by chief constables risk making it ‘cheaper and easier’ to disrupt officers’ protected time off. 

Now, Suffolk Police Federation is adding further pressure, highlighting the real-world impact on overstretched forces.

Branch vice chair Matt Paisley said the debate cannot be reduced to figures alone and must instead focus on the human cost to officers and their families. He stressed that chief constables should advocate alongside officers rather than appear to oppose them. 

“Chief constables shouldn’t be fighting us - they should be fighting with us, for better pay and conditions for officers,” he said, pointing to the broader issue of funding constraints shaping the proposals.

Safeguard

The Federation argues that the chief’s proposals would erode a key safeguard that recognises the disruption to officers’ personal lives. Matt said that those concerns are already being felt on the ground.

“In April alone, we have three cancelled rest days because of football policing demand,” he said, adding: “That pressure isn’t theoretical - it’s happening now.”

Looking ahead, Matt warned of intensifying strain during the coming months. 

“There are plans being put in place for summer demand, but frankly, it’s shaping up to be a ‘summer of pain’ - both nationally and locally,” he said, citing major events and ongoing operational pressures that are likely to result in further cancelled rest days.

Despite his concerns, Matt acknowledged the difficult position chief constables find themselves in: “Funding is not fit for purpose, and that’s driven by Government decisions.

“Chiefs are having to stretch already tight budgets, and that puts them in a very challenging situation.”

Chief Constable

Branch officials met with Chief Constable Rachel Kearton to voice their concerns. 

Matt said: “Chief Constable Kearton explained how she was unsighted on the specific details around amendments to the regulations around rest days made in the PRRB submission by the NPCC.

“And she confirmed that she is open and willing to have ongoing discussions with the Federation about the ongoing concerns from members regarding these proposed changes.

“We thank the Chief for her time, and would like to reassure members that we will continue to engage and debate with senior leaders within the Force about the pay and conditions of our members.”

Matt cautioned that cost-saving measures targeting rest day compensation risk undermining morale at a critical time, particularly as policing becomes more complex and demanding. 

Pressure

He continued: “This isn’t a stats and data game - there are people involved in this. They have lives, they have families.”

Matt also highlighted what he described as a growing disconnect between frontline officers and senior leadership. While some leaders suggest demand is stabilising or even falling, he says many response officers feel the opposite.

“We’ve got officers under significant stress and pressure, yet they’re being told demand is down. That disconnect isn’t going to motivate anyone,” he said.

The Federation’s national campaign, ‘Hands Off Our Rest Days’, forms part of its wider ‘Copped Enough’ push for improved pay, conditions, and support. And Matt emphasised that the campaign is about more than financial compensation.

“The currency here isn’t just money - it’s wellbeing and welfare,” he said. “Not just at work, but at home as well.”

Proposals

He also stressed that the proposals are not yet final and that there remains an opportunity for influence. “This isn’t a done deal. We can continue lobbying chief constables and MPs to support officers,” he said, urging members to make their voices heard.

Central to that effort, Matt argues, is maintaining open lines of communication between officers, Federation representatives, and senior leaders. 

Members concerned about cancelled rest days are encouraged to contact the Federation office or their local Federation representative.

Matt ended: “I’d like to reassure members that we’re not just writing letters - we’re engaging, negotiating, and pushing for change.

“We want to make people’s lives better. But we’re a community too, and we can’t afford to feel disconnected.”

READ MORE: Branch secretary backs calls for urgent police pay restoration.