POLICE officers are likely to have to wait until the New Year for a decision on potentially introducing compulsory severance to the service.<\/p>\n
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, Home Secretary Theresa May will then have the final decision.<\/p>\n
Neil Bowles, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said officers would be kept informed as soon as the PAT and the Home Secretary make their respective decisions.<\/p>\n
Mrs May has consistently refused to comment on compulsory severance saying she would make her decision on whether to ratify the PAT\u2019s decision when it was made.<\/p>\n
It was described as a \u201csad day\u201d for policing in England and Wales as the Police Negotiating Board registered a \u201cfailure to agree\u201d over compulsory severance on July 24.<\/p>\n
Ian Rennie, PFEW General Secretary and Staff Side secretary at PNB, said that while the Staff Side of the PNB has \u201cgrave doubts\u201d about the proposals for compulsory severance it has attempted to engage in constructive discussions with the Official Side.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the hearing on 15 November, Mr Rennie said: \u201cThe PAT has been asked to make decisions in respect of a number of recommendations from the Winsor Final Report, which include the introduction of Compulsory Severance and changes to how Police Officers on Restricted Duties are managed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no indication of when the PAT will publish its ruling, but I will keep you informed of any developments.\u201d<\/p>\n
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