“(1) The Employment Rights Act 1996 is amended is follows.

(2) In section 50 (Right to time off for public duties), after subsection (1) insert—

‘(1A) An employer shall permit an employee who is a special constable, appointed in accordance with section 27 of the Police Act 1996, section 9 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 or section 25 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, to take time off during the employee’s working hours for the purpose of performing their duties.

(1B) In section (1A), “duties” means any activity under the direction of a chief officer of police.’”—(Sir Ashley Fox.)

This new clause gives employees who are special constables the right to time off to carry out their police duties.

Brought up.

Question put, That the clause be added to the Bill.

The House divided: Ayes 189, Noes 324.

Question accordingly negatived.