Barred from the force for cancer – the government lists stopping police staff doing their jobs

There was outcry at UNISON’s police and justice conference today at the new lists that bar police staff from jobs for life. The police barred and advisory lists, brought in less than a year ago, are lists that police staff, special constables, and officers are added to if they are dismissed. The dismissal does not only have to be due to misconduct however, it also includes workers dismissed over attendance and performance, which means those dismissed for lack of attendance due to poor health. One member told conference that he had a colleague who was dismissed for lack of attendance due to depression, and a colleague dismissed for attendance issues related to cancer, and both are now on the lists. Many police staff also work, voluntarily, as police constables. Jo Dibb, from the national young members forum, pointed out the impact that the new lists could have on staff volunteering. Jo is a contact handler and a special constable, but if he is dismissed for one of those roles, it means he will be barred from doing the other. He has colleagues who are considering giving up their roles as special constables in case they lose their job. Another member told conference about a colleague she had who was dismissed because of lack of attendance due to severe depression. The woman loved her job, and although technically she was dismissed, her managers praised her work for the police and said they hoped she recovered and could work again in the future. She later found out she was on t...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News 2018 police and justice conference Police and justice staff Source Type: news