Police Scotland staff across Scotland could soon work four-day weeks under new proposals put forward by the force as part of an agreed pay deal with trade unions.
The deal - for administrative staff, rather than officers, who agreed a deal in August - includes a pledge by top brass to investigate ways of lightening heaving workloads. Among the ideas mooted is the idea of a four-day working week - which would see staff work four days a week rather than five with no cut to pay - and an "overnight disruption allowance" to cover emergency drafting for significant events.
The ideas will be discussed by a joint working group made up of police and trade union representatives. Alongside the flat five percent rise in salaries and shift allowances - to be paid in November pay packets - police chiefs have also agreed to introduce paid parental leave for new parents, including adoptive parents, which can be claimed retroactively from next year for any child born since April 2022.
Parents can claim four weeks of paid leave and a further 14 weeks of unpaid leave per child. Staff required to transport animals in their own cars can also claim up to £1,239 in costs as part of the agreed deal. Police Scotland says it believes the deal recognises the "contribution, hard work and dedication" of officers while remaining within budget constraints.
The five percent deal - and the additional perks - come following extended discussions between the force, oversight body the Scottish Police Authority and Unite and Unison, and sits separately from the previously agreed offer for on-street officers. Police chiefs have also stated that they will maintain a policy of no compulsory redundancies.
Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM said: “Police staff work day in, day out, to support a shared mission of public service and it is right their commitment is recognised and rewarded. I thank everyone who worked to reach this agreement, particularly when staff are concerned about the cost of living crisis and its impact on them and their families."
Martyn Evans, chair of the Scottish Police Authority, said: “I am pleased we have reached an agreement following constructive dialogue with the trade unions. Our staff make an essential and valuable contribution to the delivery of policing across Scotland and we are very grateful to them for that.”
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