Scottish policewomen call for same period of maternity leave as in England

Policewomen in Scotland get 13 weeks leave on full pay after having a child, whereas in England they are given 18 weeks.

According to the Scottish Police Federation, which represents the single force’s rank-and-file officers, the consequence of this shortfall is that female officers return to work unfit to carry out their duties and end up either taking sick leave or resigning.

Jackie Muller, the SPF’s equalities secretary, said: “Women are significantly under-represented in the police service of Scotland, comprising only 29 per cent of the workforce.

“Women are less likely to seek promotion and more likely to leave the service early.

“It is also known that most women struggle to return to work at the end of their maternity leave and many leave the service completely within a short time of having children.”

While Scottish police have avoided reductions in pay seen elsewhere in the UK, the maternity deals in England and Wales and also Northern Ireland are seen as better.

Ms Muller added: “Police work is physically and mentally gruelling. It is unlikely that many women are actually ready to return to the full range of duties and shift patterns just 13 weeks after giving birth.

“Regrettably, many will return to work and then have to go off sick either immediately or shortly after returning to work.”

However, Police Scotland and its watchdog the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) said they are attempting to resolve the issue.

A spokesman for the SPA said:“We are absolutely committed to supporting officers and staff across Police Scotland and the SPA before, during and on return from periods of maternity leave.”

A Police Scotland spokesman added: “It is important that officers and staff have confidence around rewards processes including salaries based on objective criteria and free from gender bias.”