Frequently Asked Questions

What will I get paid if I have to work away from home?

Changes to the arrangements for officers serving away from their normal place of duty (including on 'mutual aid' in another force area):

•  these changes apply to those officers who are deployed away from their normal place of duty whether in or out of force
•  a new 'Away from home overnight' allowance of £50 will be introduced and will be payable for every night on which an officer is 'held in reserve'
•  an officer is 'held in reserve' if he or she is serving away from their normal place of duty and is required to stay in a particular, specified place rather than being allowed to return home. An officer is not 'held in reserve' if he or she is serving away from their normal place of duty only by reason of being on a training course or carrying out routine enquiries
•  payment of a new hardship allowance of £30 per night if 'proper accommodation' is not provided to an officer who is 'held in reserve'
•  the definition of 'proper accommodation' is a single occupancy room with use of en suite bathroom facilities

The Secretary of State's approval for the existing mutual aid arrangements set out in PNB circulars 86/15, 88/9 and 95/8 (often known as the 'Hertfordshire agreement') is withdrawn. Officers on mutual aid should now be paid in accordance with the determinations for the hours they work, including where applicable overtime and travelling time.