Police Stress Leave
Explained
Pay, Process & Career Impact. A clear guide to how to go off sick properly, what happens to your pay, and how it affects pension and promotion.
Trust Notice: Based on Police Regulations 2003 (as amended). Not medical advice. Independent explanatory guidance.
Executive Summary
Stress leave in policing is common — but poorly understood.
Key Points
- Pay Entitlement: Full pay and half pay rules apply based on service length.
- Medical Evidence: GP fit notes are required beyond self-certification.
- Career Impact: Short-term absence has minimal impact; long-term may affect promotion timing.
Can Police Officers Go Off Sick With Stress?
Yes. Police officers are entitled to sickness absence in the same way as any employee, but governed by Police Regulations rather than standard employment law.
A GP can issue a fit note for:
- Work-related stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Adjustment disorder
You must notify your supervisor in accordance with force policy.
How Does Sick Pay Work?
Under Police Regulations 2003, entitlement depends on length of service.
Stress Leave Entitlement Checker
< 5 Years Service
- Full Pay: 6 months
- Half Pay: 6 months
5-10 Years Service
- Full Pay: 9 months
- Half Pay: 9 months
10+ Years Service
- Full Pay: 12 months
- Half Pay: 12 months
These are rolling calculations over a defined period. Forces may apply slightly different tracking methods.
What Happens After You Go Off Sick?
Initial Stage
- • Supervisor notified
- • Fit note submitted
- • Absence recorded
Intermediate Stage
- • Welfare contact
- • Occupational health referral
- • Risk assessment review
Extended Stage
- • Capability review
- • Restricted duties discussion
- • Medical board (if long-term)
Stress leave does not automatically trigger misconduct.
Will Occupational Health Be Involved?
In most cases, yes — if absence exceeds short-term threshold.
Occupational health may assess:
- Fitness to return
- Adjustments required
- Whether condition is temporary or chronic
- Whether condition is work-related
Can Stress Leave Affect My Career?
Short-term absence
Usually minimal impact.
Long-term absence
- • May delay promotion
- • May restrict specialist roles
- • May trigger capability review
It does not automatically prevent advancement.
Can I Be Dismissed for Stress?
Dismissal for ill health falls under capability regulations, not misconduct. It requires:
- Medical evidence
- Structured review
- Consideration of alternative duties
- Opportunity to respond
Dismissal is not immediate. It is a staged process.
What About Pension?
If stress becomes long-term and permanent, Ill-health retirement may be considered. This involves a medical board, tier assessment, and pension calculation.
Stress Leave and Misconduct
If stress contributes to a conduct issue, panels may consider mitigation. However, medical context does not automatically prevent misconduct findings. Each case is assessed individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a police officer be off sick with stress?
Depends on service length and medical assessment. Regulations set maximum full and half pay periods.
Does stress leave affect pension?
Short-term leave does not. Long-term ill health may affect pension pathway.
Can I return on restricted duties?
Yes. Adjusted roles are common following stress-related absence.
Do I need a GP note?
Yes, beyond self-certification period.
Can I be forced back to work?
Return-to-work decisions involve medical advice and command discretion.