Stress in the Workplace

In my capacity as IBB Secretary, I have been contacted by several people in relation to 'On-Call' and your rights.

The IBB fundamentally opposes the principle of 'On-Call'. We believe that when members have finished their days work they should be free, other than in exceptional circumstances from any expectation to return to work or have restrictions placed upon their private lives.

In short, 'On-Call'is voluntary. You don't have to do it.

In our view 'On-Call' is just another means by which every last drop of resilience is extracted from those within our ranks. Except for a very few exceptions we believe that 'On-Call' could be totally eradicated if the roles that Lancashire Constabulary believe need to have an 'On-Call' capability were properly resourced.

But, if you do 'volunteer', please remember that any time spent giving advice on the phone, granting authorities, travelling when called in etc. is working time and must be recorded in line with both Police and Working Time Regulations. Thus it is not uncommon for colleagues who have volunteered to be 'On-Call' to be booked on and off on numerous occasions.

If you receive calls at home related to your role that require you to take some positive action, whether that is to give advice or make a decision, those hours should be shown as hours worked under Police Regulations. By taking action in any way you are liable for the decisions you make and therefore acting in your capacity as an 'employee'. If you are not booked on duty this might affect your ability to access Federation funds for legal assistance should any decision you take be subject to scrutiny.

If you are not called out or contacted, you cannot book working time.

It is vitally important that any officer who volunteers to be 'On-Call' ensures they are provided with the following information (preferably in writing):

1. That they are being asked to be 'On-Call'
2. What is expected of them, duty performance wise, when 'On-Call'
3. What restrictions are being placed upon the individual's private life whilst performing 'On-Call' duty
4. Will they be able to recoup hours worked 'On-Call' and when

Some Divisions already compensate DIs for the hours they work during duty week, but there is no formal agreement so it is currently down to local negotiation.

Currently DMS automatically deducts your refreshment break from your working time hours. I believe that shouldn't be happening and the JBB is taking that up on behalf of all Federated ranks. However, in the meantime, if for some reason you don't take your refreshment break, you need to 'null' the break on DMS. I have attached a very simple guide to doing that.

Regards

Louise Leyland
IBB Secretary