Maternity and adoption pay move welcomed

14 December 2020

West Mercia Police Federation chair Sarah Cooper has backed an increase in police officers’ entitlement to full pay while on maternity or adoption leave.

From 4 January 2021, officers on maternity or adoption leave will receive full pay for 26 weeks instead of 18.

Sarah said the move would bring benefits to the Force as well as individual officers.

She said: “Maternity or adoption leave is there for special bonding time with your new arrival, and to help parents through a momentous and often tiring period in their life.

“This extension of paid leave is a really welcome step. As a Force, equality, diversity and inclusion is a huge part of what we’re about and we’re always striving to do better.

“I think this change sends out a really positive message and, at a time when we’re recruiting, it sends out a strong message that we’re an attractive employer, and that can only help us attract more officers and to retain them as well.”

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)  and will include details of 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.