More than one million police days lost to absence in four years, figures show

Police Scotland have lost more than one million days to staff absence in the past four years, figures show.

Since 2020, 1,020,930 working days have been lost by staff absence, with each full year between April 2020 and April this year showing at least 200,000 days lost.

Of those lost days, 239,507 were as a result of “psychological disorders”, according to the figures released by Police Scotland to the Scottish Conservatives under freedom of information legislation.

The statistics also show that between April 2022 and June of this year, just over 7,000 officers were considered “not deployable”.

In the year to June, that figure was 2,771, while a further 1,305 were deployable but with restrictions.

Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr described the figures as “staggering”, accusing the Scottish Government of being “completely disconnected”.

Tory Liam Kerr condemned the figures (Andrew Milligan/PA). PA Media

He said: “Dedicated officers are being forced to do their job with one hand tied behind their back due to savage and sustained SNP cuts.

“It’s very telling that nearly a quarter of these absences are due to psychological issues, given officer numbers are at their lowest since the SNP came to power in 2007.

“There’s a vicious circle of overwhelmed officers going off sick, which in turn increases the stress on their remaining colleagues, who are more likely to fall ill too.

“SNP ministers are completely disconnected from the pressures facing police officers on a daily basis and have repeatedly neglected their needs.”

The Scottish Tories, he added, would increase police numbers by 1,000.

Earlier this year, total police numbers dropped to the lowest level since March 2007 – just before the SNP took power – with 16,207.

Last week, Chief Constable Jo Farrell welcomed 250 new recruits.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “The chief constable has prioritised the health and wellbeing of our officers and staff, whose feedback was integral in agreeing a £17 million investment in enhanced welfare provisions.

“These include a new 24/7 employee assistance programme, direct access to occupational health services to support officers and staff on their journey back to health and work, and a greater focus on mental health.

“Our officer numbers on October 1 were 16,425 and we anticipate reaching 16,600 in November.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “These figures cover a period of more than four years, including the Covid-19 pandemic, across a workforce of more than 16,000 officers.

“We welcome the chief constable’s commitment to workforce wellbeing and that police officers and staff can access a range of services including access to a new 24/7 employee assistance programme and have direct access to occupational health services.

“Despite deeply challenging financial circumstances due to the UK Government settlement, we have provided record police funding of £1.55 billion this year, an increase of £92.7 million, which means Police Scotland will take on more recruits this year than at any time since 2013.”

Scottish Police Federation chairman David Threadgold said: “In times of unprecedented pressure, and no appropriate pay deal, the commitment of Police Scotland officers remains unwavering, even as they face immense challenges.

“The staggering number of absences reflects the immense mental and physical toll being placed on police officers.

“It is crucial that the Scottish government, Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland prioritise police officers’ well-being, ensuring they receive the proper pay, support, resources, and respect they deserve.”