Message to Constables, Sergeants and Inspector ranks From Lancashire Police Federation Joint Branch Board

We have been in consultation with the Organisation during its "Shift Review" for all front line officers. Two different rotas have been compiled by the Organisation and are currently being circulated for Consultation. The Organisation has informed us that the two rotas out for circulation are not a fait de complait, and have been compiled on analysis of the current demand profile.

Having reviewed the rotas, it is clear to us that the work life balance of officer's would be significantly adversely affected in many ways.

This proposed change affects many front line officers who joined the Constabulary under the current VSA working conditions, which were not expected to change so dramatically. We have received indications from officers that they would not be able work the new rota and are looking to leave the Organisation or transfer to neighbouring forces, which would be a great loss to our communities and the Organisation.

In the current economic climate where many members of the public including Police Officers are under severe financial pressure, these proposed changes will only serve to increase costs, such as travel to work. In some cases there will be a need to find and fund alternate travel arrangements and the cost of extra childcare.

There has also been significant research into the negative health effects of working seven consecutive shifts. An area where we are commissioning an independent report on your behalf to deliver to the Organisation as soon as practical.

Whilst we appreciate the need for organisational review to ensure that the Constabulary meets the needs of the community, the organisation and the individuals, we do not believe that these rotas will assist you, our members, in providing the same quality service to our communities that you do now.

We would encourage you to report back through the Federation on the following email address federation@lancashire.pnn.police.uk, or directly through your divisional representative with any concerns/feedback you have. This dramatic change impacts on family lives and we are keen to reflect your views.

We are also running a poll on the Federation website www.lancashirepolfed.org.uk regarding the shift review, which goes live on Monday 28th September. We would encourage you to complete the poll at your earliest opportunity and visit the website which is constantly being updated with shift review news and our latest press release.

The Joint Branch Board Secretary, Mark Sweet has today written to Chief Constable Finnigan expressing our concerns and views over the shift review and the proposed rotas. As soon as a response is received, we will share that letter and the response with you all.

If you have a partner, who is not in the Police, they may wish to communicate their views about the impact this will have on them, directly to the Chief Constable by whatever means they feel appropriate.

We wish to assure you that the Lancashire Federation is making representations at all appropriate levels and attending presentations made to officers in Divisions. Your representatives have been collating your immediate reactions to these proposed changes and have been working tirelessly to engage with members whenever possible. We are also seeking some external professional evaluation of the proposals, however over the past few weeks the information flow has been such that this evaluation was difficult to progress until the actual proposed rotas were circulated for consultation. Please be assured that we are formulating evidenced and considered opinion on the proposals with your welfare a priority.