11 December 2020
Dyfed Powys Police Federation secretary Roger Webb says improvements in officers’ paid maternity or adoption leave will help in the Force’s recruitment drive.
From 4 January 2021 officers on maternity or adoption leave will be entitled to full pay for 26 weeks instead of 18.
Roger said: “Maternity or adoption leave is there for special bonding time and to help new parents through a huge and often tiring period in their life.
“This extension of paid leave is a really welcome step, giving new parents more financial security for an extra two months while they are with their new arrival.
“We’re always striving to do better in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion, and I think family-friendly policies like this send out a strong message that we’re an attractive employer and we support our colleagues.
“It will help us in our current recruitment drive to attract more officers and, just as importantly, help us 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 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.”
Please contact the branch for more information.