Bobbies already under leave embargo for Christmas 2017

15 March 2017

Surrey Police officers hoping to spend a few days with friends and family at Christmas are likely to be disappointed this year as they have already had leave placed under embargo.

Festive leave for 2017 will be barred from the weekend before Christmas and through the New Year period – and this had already been decided in 2016, according to Surrey Police Federation. Although officers will be able to apply for a block of leave.

Last year officers faced uncertainty after the embargo was lifted in the springtime. And while some were able to book leave over Christmas, they were later told they would have to in fact work after the Chief Inspector of Operations decided he wanted more bobbies on duty.

The Federation has asked for more forward planning this year.

Chair Mel Warnes said: “We’re hoping that the chief inspectors have learned from this year to put in their request much earlier and to say what they want during the embargo so that when the embargo is lifted then the officers know where they are, know what they’re doing, and there is not going to be that change that there has been last year.”

Many officers are unhappy about the embargo, she added.

“The embargo goes on so early; before we’ve even got one Christmas out of the way the embargo is on for next Christmas. So our members do feel that they’re restricted in putting in for annual leave. But on the other hand they do understand that obviously it is a time that does need the resources.

“The real bone of contention is about having to book a block of leave and not being able to take the one or two days off, even around Christmas or the weekend before. They can appeal through the Superintendent on a division but only if they have exceptional circumstances.”