Member

Lords amendment 21 would give employees who are special constables the right to reasonable time off to carry out their police duties. This Government recognise the value and the role of special constables in keeping our communities safe, a role that has been highlighted by the campaign led by the Association of Special Constabulary Officers and in the amendment originally tabled in the House of Commons by the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Sir Ashley Fox). We acknowledge the strength of feeling behind the proposal, and recognise the importance of ensuring that the list of public duties reflects the needs of modern society, but we believe that before any changes are made, a wider review of duties that employees may take time off work to undertake is required.