WEEKEND leave has been cancelled for all officers between Friday 22 July and Sunday 24 July, South Yorkshire Police has confirmed.<\/p>\n
Officers will be expected instead to work at the Tramlines Music Festival in Sheffield and the RUFC v Sunderland pre-season friendly.<\/p>\n
They will be asked to work just one day out of the three to minimise impact on their private lives, the force said.<\/p>\n
But Neil Bowles, Chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation said the decision was down to \u201cbad planning\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cCancelled rest days and leave embargoes have a huge effect on members. Officers are tired at the end of a set of shifts, both physically and mentally.<\/p>\n
\u201cWork is non-stop and refreshments are taken on the hoof. We need a rest like anyone else to recharge our batteries and have time to relax. We have families too and everyone wants a good work-life balance.<\/p>\n
\u201cCancelled leave will lead to more officers burning out or breaking down. If that happens at work then the consequences could be fatal to colleagues or the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cSickness rates are already increasing, which means more work is left for those at work. If an organisation puts on events that are designed to make a profit, then they should pay for the full costs of any extra policing required.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Bowles added that with fewer officers, the force needs to decide what jobs they will give up, because the status quo is no longer workable.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWe have known about Tramlines since the last one, and there was always going to a friendly match at the same time. I do not believe this is an exigency of duty, but bad planning.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnless convinced otherwise we will advise members to submit overtime forms and if they are refused we shall seek legal advice over regulation breaches, and go to court.\u201d<\/p>\n