Page 7 - WMPF Here for you 2017
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Half pay - Regulation 28
During 2017, nearly 500 officers faced the prospect of half or no pay due to long-
term sickness.
The issue of pay discretion has been raised. Our submission is that the Force
is inconsistent and is discriminating on the basis of disability. There is disparity
between officers in the IHR process with some supported on full pay yet others
on half in similar circumstances. We have test cases ready to go to Employment
Tribunal (ET) but see this as a last resort and hope the Force will address this
important issue.
The cost to Force in long-term absence in 2017 was around £16 million. This
is made up of wages alone and takes no account for MRTW re-training, re-
deployment, back filling and so on.
• The Federation helped around 500 officers facing the prospect of no pay, giving
advice on benefits and financial planning and access to Group Insurance
Scheme payments.
Restricted officer surgeries
We have continued to run officer surgeries and have expanded these advice
sessions to include officers who feel they have been discriminated against through
protected characteristics. We have supported and sought legal assistance for 53
officers in this regard and helped them through the ACAS conciliation process.
Tim Rogers
Deputy Secretary
West Midlands Police Federation
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