Attachment 2
For info: following a story in the press re
an officer from a force outside of the MPS not being able to attend
court as he was on a five year career break—the Human Resources
Press office has had queries from Matthew Bailey at the Daily
Mail and Richard Allen at the Mail on Sunday. Both
were asking how many officers are currently on career breaks in
the MPS.
If asked: How many officers are currently
on career breaks in the Met?
There are currently 226 police officers on career
breaks. This is 0.74% of the workforce.
If asked: What about other roles in the Met?
332 Police Staff (2.63%)
27 Traffic Wardens (5.81%)
PCSO's None
If asked: what is the policy for the met
around officers on career breaks making court appearances?
As stated in the Met's Career Break Policy
"An undertaking must be obtained from the
individual to attend any court commitments as required. It should
be stressed that the costs incurred in such attendance will not
be reimbursed. This is particularly important where foreign travel
is being considered. All reasonable steps must be taken by the
member of staff to ensure they are aware of all court commitments.
Exceptionally, if a member of staff is recalled to attend court
for a matter that was entirely unexpected at the time that the
career break began, application can be made to HR Policy Pay and
Pensions Management Contract Team, who may consider an ex-gratia
payment to help with travel costs."
If asked: What is the criteria for going
on to a career break and does that mean that their position has
to be filled?
Criteria for Career Break Scheme
The career break scheme is unpaid leave which
can be up to five years. A member of staff may apply for more
than one career break during his or her service provided that
the combined length of the breaks do not exceed the maximum limit
of five years.
All members of the MPS will be eligible for
a career break provide that:
— they have completed their probationary
period;
— their performance is regarded as
satisfactory by their line management;
— they have a satisfactory health,
attendance and conduct record in accordance with the Attendance
Management policy;
— line management is satisfied that
the individual intends to resume his or her career with the MPS;
— a minimum of three months' notice
is given;
— there are no discipline or complaint
enquiries outstanding and it falls into one of the following categories:
— travel abroad for self development
up to a maximum of 12 months;
— following maternity leave;
— to care for children or sick, elderly
or disabled dependants;
— to study for a relevant degree or
similar qualification which supports the individuals existing
role or career development within the Service;
— for worthwhile voluntary service
overseas;
— to accompany a partner when they
working temporarily overseas or outside reasonable travelling
distance to the MPS;
— for some other exceptional reason,
where there is significant benefit for the MPS. This provision
is not intended to cater for extended periods of travel abroad
for reasons of self development.
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