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Police Federation Update
Shift Review
You will be aware of the Force's current review of the shift patterns being worked by core section and neighbourhood teams. The basis for this is their belief that the current shift patterns are broken. Some of you attended the recent challenge days where 3 shift patterns were considered (2 for core section and 1 for neighbourhood). These patterns were based on matching resources to STORM records. The 3 patterns were all variable shift arrangements (VSA).
The feedback from officers on those challenge days was hugely constructive. They highlighted that demand is so much more than just calls. They critiqued the proposed shift patterns and raised the need for the Force to re-assess the numbers on core section. In essence, are the shift patterns broken or have too many officers been stripped from core section.
The views expressed by officers reflected the views we had already put to the Force. The shift patterns presented at the challenge days were described very much as a starting point. The Force has recognised they have substantially more work to do on this issue to the extent they have delayed the next review until 6th April to properly consider the issues.
At the challenge days we announced our intention to conduct our own independent survey of officers. There is a considerable cost to this survey and so we have decided to delay it until after 6th April when we will have a clearer understanding of where the Force is going with their review.
Concerns have been expressed over whether the Force can simply impose a shift pattern. You currently work what is called a variable shift arrangement (VSA) - you do not have a normal daily period of duty of 8 hours. You work either 10 hour shifts or have a mixture of shifts of differing lengths. Such arrangements are often described as being "outside regulations". This is not the case as they are contained within Police Regulations & Determinations 2003. A VSA can only be introduced if it is agreed by the Joint Branch Board. It cannot be imposed without the Police Federation's agreement. We would not give that agreement without a secret ballot of those being asked to work the VSA. We would require a minimum return of a 40% of the ballots issued and of that return 66% would have to be in favour of working the VSA. Only then would we give consideration to reaching an agreement for the introduction of the VSA.
Patterns that only comprise of 8 hour shifts are a different scenario. The Force could introduce such a pattern without a ballot but not without consultation. The Force recognises that such patterns would be the best "recruiting sergeant" the Metropolitan Police has ever had!! There is no desire by the Force to return to such outdated and barbaric shift patterns.
In conclusion, the Force continues with its review and we will continue to represent you in that process. Following the review on 6th April we will revisit the need for our survey. You will not have a VSA imposed upon you - that cannot and will not happen.
If you have any questions then please speak to one of your local representatives or contact the Federation Office on 19x2250.
This information is also on our website that can be accessed via the Force's intranet under tools/HR and finance.
Kind regards,
Ian Pointon
Chairman
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