1 in 7 Kirklees cops on desk duty because of illness - double the national average

Jan 21 2010 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

“Consideration is given to whether the officer can return to full duties. Reasonable adjustments are considered.

“Where there are longer terms of permanent restrictions, the force will manage the officer in accordance with the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act.”

Five of the 71 were on recuperative duties – temporary changes to work that enable an officer to return from sick leave as soon as possible.

The spokeswoman added that placing an officer on recuperative duties was usually a short-term measure.

“Most instances of recuperative duties are short duration,” she said.

“The force has a significant downward trend in absence levels and using recuperative duties as part of a range of support measures to help people get back to productive police work quickly is an important part of this success.”

According to figures reported in November, 9,815 police officers nationally were on restricted or recuperative duties last year, about 7% of the total workforce.

The number in Kirklees on restricted or recuperative duties has grown steadily in the last five years, from a figure of 30 in 2005 to 71 last year.

Across West Yorkshire, the number has risen from 372 to 574 in the same period.

But Supt Knopwood insisted procedures were in place to deal with the issue.

He said: “We have a strong support system to look after the welfare of your officers and also the structure to maintain the high standards expected.

“If there is a critical need for additional officers, we have the ability and adaptability to draw upon other resources.

“We are dedicated to providing communities in Kirklees with the best possible service and we will continue to do so.”