Staffordshire Police Federation chair Lee Robinson said he wanted to remind members they might be able to use Time Off for Dependants (TOfD) if they need to look after their children during teachers’ strikes.
A fresh wave of industrial action and school closures is planned for next month and Lee said police officers with school-age children were bound to be affected.
He said: “Obviously, the strikes are going to cause disruption so I want our members to be fully aware of the options open to them if they are struggling to get childcare arrangements in place.
“Time Off for Dependants (TOfD) is a benefit that allows officers to take time off under certain circumstances such as a teachers’ strike.
“The majority of our members will probably be able to make childcare arrangements ahead of the strikes but TOfD is there as an alternative if needs be, especially for anyone worried about the financial implications of taking time off to look after the children.”
TOfD main points :
· TOfD was put in place to ensure officers could deal with unexpected situations that affect those who depend on them
· TOfD cover a variety of circumstances, including strike days by public services - even if these are known about and understood
· well in advance
· TOfD is classed as duty and therefore entitles officers to paid leave
· There is no limit as to how many days an officer can use TOfD, as long as the leave is necessary
· Please note, TOfD is not the same as ‘carers leave’ or ‘emergency leave’.
National teachers’ strikes are planned for Wednesday 1 March, Wednesday 15 March and Thursday 16 March while nurses and paramedics are taking industrial action on Monday 6 February.
Lee said Staffordshire Police Federation was there for members who felt they needed further help and support around TOfD.
“Our door is always open and members shouldn’t hesitate to contact us over this or any other issues they may have concerns about,” he said.
For more information on TOfD members should read this document.
