Working on
Christmas Day?
An authoritative regulation-based guide on public holiday working, enhanced compensation, and rest day protections.
Notice: Independent explanatory guidance based on Police Regulations 2003. Not legal advice.
Direct Answer
Yes, police officers can be required to work on Christmas Day.
Under Police Regulations 2003, officers may be directed to work on public holidays for operational necessity. Enhanced compensation rules apply, and rest day cancellation protections still operate.
Executive Summary
Christmas Day is not legally protected from operational deployment.
Police services operate 365 days a year.
However:
- Enhanced pay rates apply
- Rest day cancellation rules apply
- Welfare considerations remain relevant
This guide explains the legal position clearly.
Is Christmas Day Treated Differently?
Under Police Regulations:
Christmas Day is a public holiday.
Public holiday working triggers enhanced compensation.
It does not prohibit compulsory duty.
Police services must maintain operational capability on all days of the year, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.
Public Holiday Pay Rates
For federated ranks:
Public holiday working is typically paid at double time (2.0x).
If Christmas falls on your rostered rest day:
Compensation depends on notice period.
Less than 15 Days Notice
Time and a half plus re-rostered rest day.
More than 15 Days Notice
Re-rostered rest day only.
Can You Refuse Christmas Duty?
As with overtime:
A lawful order must be obeyed.
However:
Equality Act Considerations
Protected characteristics such as religion or belief may be relevant. Forces must consider whether requiring Christmas working creates indirect discrimination.
Approved Flexible Working Arrangements
If you have an approved flexible working agreement that excludes Christmas, this must be considered.
Extreme Caring Responsibilities
Sole carer status or critical childcare issues must be assessed.
Refusal without justification may lead to discipline.
Voluntary vs Compulsory Working
Most forces seek volunteers for Christmas working.
This is good practice and reduces welfare concerns.
If insufficient volunteers:
Compulsory direction may follow.
Selection must be:
Fair
Not targeting specific individuals without justification.
Documented
Rationale for selection should be recorded.
Rotation systems or equitable distribution methods are common.
Does Working Christmas Affect Leave?
If rostered annual leave is cancelled:
Restoration of leave entitlement must occur.
Important:
Compensation rules differ from rest day cancellation.
If Christmas was approved annual leave, cancellation requires operational necessity and the leave must be re-granted.
If Christmas was a rostered rest day, rest day cancellation rules apply (see Section 2).
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Arrest on Christmas Eve Extending into Christmas Morning
You make an arrest at 23:00 on Christmas Eve. Custody procedures extend into Christmas Day.
Analysis: This is casual overtime. You are entitled to overtime payment at the appropriate rate. If this extends significantly into Christmas Day, public holiday rates may apply.
Scenario 2: Major Incident Requiring Recall
A major incident occurs on Christmas morning. You are recalled from leave.
Analysis: Operational necessity justifies recall. Enhanced compensation applies. Leave must be restored.
Scenario 3: Planned Public Order Operation
A planned football match on Boxing Day requires Christmas Day travel and overnight accommodation.
Analysis: If rostered in advance with adequate notice, this is lawful. Enhanced rates apply for Christmas Day working.
Equality and Welfare Considerations
Forces must consider:
Protected Characteristics
Religion or belief may make Christmas particularly significant.
Caring Responsibilities
Sole carers or those with young children.
Flexible Working Agreements
Approved arrangements must be honoured.
Welfare Impact
Repeated Christmas working may affect morale and retention.
Historical Context
Christmas working in policing has evolved significantly.
Historically, Christmas Day was often staffed by volunteers or junior officers.
Modern policing recognises the need for equitable distribution and welfare considerations.
Enhanced compensation rates reflect the recognition that public holiday working involves personal sacrifice.
Practical Guidance
If rostered for Christmas:
1. Check Your Roster Early
Rosters should be published one month in advance.
2. Understand Your Pay Entitlement
Confirm whether double time or rest day rates apply.
3. Raise Welfare Concerns Early
If you have caring responsibilities or other concerns, raise them as soon as possible.
4. Document Any Issues
Keep records of rostering patterns and any welfare impacts.
5. Contact Federation if Needed
If you believe selection was unfair or discriminatory.
Working Time Directive Interaction
Christmas working must still comply with rest period requirements.
If working Christmas Day follows a night shift on Christmas Eve, the 11-hour rest rule should be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can police refuse Christmas shifts?
Only if lawful grounds exist. As with all overtime, a lawful order must be obeyed. However, Equality Act considerations, approved flexible working arrangements, and extreme caring responsibilities must be assessed.
Is Christmas paid at double time?
Usually yes for federated ranks. Public holiday working is typically paid at double time (2.0x) under Police Regulations.
Can Christmas leave be cancelled?
Yes, for operational necessity. Rest day cancellation rules and compensation provisions still apply.