SICK LEAVE BANK – NEW REGIME 

A new sick leave bank regime will be in place later this year as a result of this year’s payround.

In the beginning…..

In 1981 NZ Police established a sick leave bank for sworn members.  At the time this was very innovative as  members could apply for sick leave from the bank when they had used up their sick leave rather than losing pay.  The “leave” in the bank was created by all members donating a day’s annual leave to the bank.

Over the years the sick leave bank was not administered as well as it was originally intended and a culture has developed where members think there is unlimited sick leave.  This was never the intention.  Sick leave from the bank was never an automatic right.

Annual leave draw down

Another donation of annual leave is needed from members to get the bank up and running.  This was part of the payround agreement.  Every sworn member who joined Police before 1 July 2002 will be contributing one day’s annual leave to the sick leave bank to create a pool of leave.  Police will be doing this in November.

Changes to the bank

The Association was represented on a working party and agreed on new criteria. 

New decision making criteria

When making decisions on individual cases the following factors will be taken into account:

  • The seriousness of the illness – the more serious the greater likelihood of support

  • The probability of a return to work – the more probable the greater likelihood of support

  • The rehabilitation plan

  • Pattern of previous sick leave

  • Number of applications to the bank

New general criteria

There are some other general criteria affecting how the bank will work.  These are:

  • All sick leave must have been used

  • 5 days leave can be granted in emergency situations.  During that time an application has to be made for any further leave

  • No more than 30 days can be approved at one time – though members can reapply

  • Those leaving or intending to leave Police cannot use the bank – unless there are exceptional circumstances

  • Members who return to work will keep all annual, shiftworkers and sick leave accrued while using the bank

  • Those who leave Police within 6 months of using the bank will donate some of their annual leave to the bank

  • Member’s can apply in order to care for a member of their household

  • A right of review if an application is declined

Sick leave bank approving committee

A sick leave bank approving committee has been formed and Peter Hayes, the Manager Welfare Services, will represent the Police service organisations. 

“Members who are seriously ill and are required to take extended sick leave in genuine circumstances have nothing to fear”, says Pete Hayes.  “The changes to the sick leave bank will ensure that the generous contribution made by all members of a days leave will only be used by those who really need it. 

Information about sick leave balances

In the near future Police will be advising members with a zero, near zero or negative sick leave balance of their total balance.  If necessary, an invitation to apply for leave from the sick leave bank will be made.

If you have any queries please free to contact your local rep or Field Officer.  Also, full details are on the Police intranet (HR website).