A controversial police cuts programme which forced long-serving West Midlands officers to retire has been labelled as unlawful age discrimination.
Between 2010 and 2013 some police forces in England and Wales imposed ‘Regulation A19’ to terminate the careers of police officers under the rank of chief officer who had achieved 30 years service.
In total more than 250 officers brought claims against West Midlands, Nottinghamshire, Devon & Cornwall, North Wales and South Wales forces, alleging the policy was unlawful age discrimination.
The forces admitted that the officers had been discriminated against, but said that the discrimination was justified.
A London Central Employment Tribunal, chaired by Employment Judge James Tayler, heard evidence and legal arguments over 25 days last year.
The court ruled the use of A19 was not justified and the former officers had been unlawfully discriminated against.
Graham Cassidy, of the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales, said: “The decision is the culmination of a substantial amount of work from all those involved, including the former officers, their families, and all those who supported them throughout what was a devastating period in their lives, including the Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales.
“Although we are pleased with the result, nothing can make up for the loss to the country of hundreds of experienced officers whose careers were cut short unnecessarily via discriminatory means.”
Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson, of West Midlands Police, said: “It was necessary for the Police Authority to consider the use of regulation A19 as a result of the wide ranging austerity measures affecting public services.
“We note the decision of the employment tribunal and need some time to consider our position going forward. We are actively considering an appeal and therefore unable to comment further at this time.”
