We accept the decision not to introduce compulsory severance at this time

National Policing Lead for Reward and Recognition Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood said:

“The changes to the way that forces deal with officers who are restricted and unable to perform the full range of duties are an important tool for chief constables to manage their workforces to ensure that they are as effective as they can be. The new process will also be welcomed by those officers who see colleagues being paid the same amount and yet only performing part of the role.

“Chief constables’ aim will always to be to support injured officers get back to work. Where officers are injured in the line of duty and it is not possible for them to return to full operational work, we would not want to penalise them for their bravery so chiefs will have the discretion as to whether to apply these changes in those circumstances."

"Although we might question some of the rationale behind the Police Arbitration Tribunal decision, we accept the decision not to introduce compulsory severance at this time. Chief constables reluctantly supported compulsory severance because of concerns about the financial situation beyond 2016 but it was always seen as a last resort, only to be used when there were extreme budgetary pressures.

“One of the real challenges is that the scale of future budget reductions are unknown. Forces will therefore work closely with Police and Crime Commissioners to develop plans to meet those demands using the existing tools available to manage the workforce."

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk