“No plans for compulsory severance in South Yorkshire”

THE Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police has no plans to introduce compulsory severance for officers to the force – even if the Government bring in the power.

Neil Bowles, federation chairman, told officers that David Crompton has given no indication of wanting to make police officers redundant. Potentially introducing compulsory severance to the service currently sits with the Police Arbitration Tribunal.

Mr Bowles said: “We are waiting for the Police Arbitration Tribunal decision about compulsory severance of Officers. If this goes the wrong way it will have serious repercussions for the independence of the Office of Constable.

“What I can share with you is that in South Yorkshire, the Chief Constable has no plans to implement this tool in order to reduce officer numbers. South Yorkshire Police has not had to enforce the compulsory retirement of Officers that are eligible for a full pension.

“South Yorkshire Police has not had to offer the voluntary severance scheme – although I know there would be an avalanche of applicants. There have been enough officers exiting the organisation through retirement or other means in the last few years.

“There are over 100 officers each year up, to 2018 that will become eligible for their pensions, so it is not thought that compulsory severance will be required.”

However Mr Bowles said he could not “guarantee” that compulsory severance would not be introduced to the force “as I do not have a crystal ball”. He added: “Who knows what the Police Service and SYP in particular will be faced with in five years?”

Both the Staff and Official sides of the Police Negotiating Board made their cases over the controversial issue to the Police Arbitration Tribunal on 15 November.

Once they have made their views known – at a date yet to be determined – Home Secretary Theresa May will then have the final decision.

Mrs May has consistently refused to comment on compulsory severance saying she would make her decision on whether to ratify the PAT’s decision when it was made.