The Direct Answer
Yes, police can recall you from annual leave in an exigency of duty, but you are entitled to double-time pay (2.0x) for each day worked and the reinstatement of your leave days.
What the Police Regulations Say
Annual leave for police officers in England and Wales is governed by Police Regulations 2003 and specifically Regulation 33 alongside Annex O. Unlike standard employment contracts, police leave is subject to the overarching requirement that an officer is "on duty" if ordered to be so.
The regulations state that once a period of leave has been approved by the Chief Constable (or their delegate), it can only be cancelled or an officer recalled to duty in an exigency of duty. This is a higher threshold than simple "operational necessity" used for shift changes.
"An exigency of duty" is loosely defined as a pressing and unforeseen operational requirement that cannot be met by any other reasonable means. It implies a situation so critical that the presence of the specific officer is deemed essential.
Annex O - Compensation for Recall: The regulations provide a strict compensation matrix. If you are recalled from leave, you are technically "working on a day of annual leave." The compensation is as follows:
- 2.0x (Double Time): For each day (or part thereof) you are required to work.
- Leave Reinstatement: The day of leave you are working on is added back to your entitlement.
- Financial Indemnity: You should be reimbursed for any unrecoverable financial losses incurred due to the recall.
What This Means in Practice
While the legal power to recall from leave exists, it is widely considered an action of last resort. Recalling an officer from a holiday often involves significant cost to the force (due to double-time pay and travel reimbursement) and a severe impact on morale.
In practice, if an emergency occurs, the force will first look to cancel rest days, then look for volunteers, and only then consider a recall from leave. If a recall is necessary, it normally requires the authorization of a senior officer (rank of Assistant Chief Constable or higher in many forces' local policies).
Recall vs Cancellation: There is a distinction between cancelling leave before it starts and recalling an officer once they have already begun their period of leave. Recalling is significantly more disruptive and legally scrutinized.
Real-World Examples
Scenario A: The National Emergency
Following a terrorist incident or major national catastrophe, all leave in a force is cancelled by the Chief Constable. Officers currently on holiday locally are told to report to their stations immediately.
Scenario B: The Specialist Investigator
A major fraud case reaches a critical evidence window. The lead investigator is on a booked camping trip in the UK. The Superintendent decides their presence is vital and issues a recall notice.
Scenario C: Short-notice Sickness on a Rota
A team is short on response drivers for the Friday night shift. The Sergeant calls an officer who is on their first day of annual leave and tells them they must come in.
Pay & Compensation Rules
The financial impact of a leave recall is significant for the force. If you are forced to work on a day of approved annual leave, ensure you are claiming the following:
Double-Time Pay (2.0x)
You are entitled to be paid at double your hourly rate for the time worked. In most cases, a minimum of 4 hours is payable if you are actually "recalled" after the leave began.
Reinstated Leave
The force cannot "keep" the day of annual leave. It must be added back to your balance for use at a later date, providing you don't lose the day due to end-of-year deadlines.
Travel & Loss Reimbursement
If you had to pay for a flight back or lost a non-refundable hotel deposit, the force is required by regulation/policy to reimburse you for these unrecoverable costs.
Use our Overtime Dashboard to track these claims. Ensure your duties are recorded as "Worked Annual Leave" rather than just standard "Recall".
What Police Cannot Do
- Recall for "Convenience" Management cannot recall you simply because they forgot to staff a shift or because it would be cheaper than paying overtime to a rest-day officer.
- Refuse to Reinstate Leave The reinstatement of the leave day is not optional; it is a regulatory requirement alongside the payment.
- Ignore Personal Hardship While exigency allows for recall, the force must consider the Equality Act and health-and-safety. Recalling a parent from a solo-parenting holiday without support could be grounds for an equalities challenge.
Regulation FAQs
Do I have to answer my phone if I am on leave?
Generally, no. Most forces have no requirement for officers to be "on call" during annual leave. If you do not answer the phone, you cannot be given a lawful order to return to duty. However, once an order is successfully communicated, it must be followed.
What if I am out of the country?
If you are abroad, the force must consider if a recall is practical or proportional. If they insist, they must bear the cost of your return travel and any losses. In many cases, the high cost of an international recall makes it operationally unfeasible.
Can I be disciplined for refusing a recall?
Failure to obey a lawful order is a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour. However, a refusal may be excused if you have a valid reason (e.g., illness, lack of child care, or being in a location where return is impossible).
Does this apply if I am in a "Specialist" role?
Yes. All federated ranks are subject to the same Police Regulations regarding leave, although specialists are more likely to be subject to individual recalls due to their unique skills.
What is the notice required for a recall?
There is no minimum notice once an "exigency of duty" is declared. A recall can be immediate. Compensation (double-time) applies regardless of how much notice is given once you are recalled from leave.