Change to maternity and adoption leave pay

9 December 2020

West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott says a change to police officers’ maternity and adoption leave pay demonstrates a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within the police service.

Officers on maternity or adoption leave will be entitled to full pay for 26 weeks instead of 18 from 4 January 2021.

“We’re really pleased to see this development,” says Jon, “We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we want to see the police service reflect  the communities we serve and protect. Progressive changes like this will only help us attract and retain a more diverse workforce.”

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) about 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.