Worker, charged with neglecting duties during cold weather, receives £40,000 settlement in dispute over sick leave status
In the bustling city of Glasgow, mental health issues among police officers continue to be a significant concern, with stress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD being prevalent. A recent UK-wide report from the Police Federation revealed a rise in police officers taking time off for mental ill health, although the focus was on Gloucestershire rather than Glasgow specifically [2].
PC Denise Gemmell, a Glasgow-based officer, has been at the centre of a high-profile case that underscores these challenges. Suffering from neuralgia, a nerve condition that aggravates in cold weather, Gemmell faced intense pain during winter, a situation that led to accusations of shirking work due to the cold. However, the court ruled that the attack on Gemmell was unfair due to lack of notice [6].
The case of PC Gemmell also highlights the systemic pressures and challenges that officers face. Gemmell's colleagues in Glasgow reportedly did not have a favourable view of her, and she was considered a problem to manage. This situation, unfortunately, reflects the broader issue of interpersonal dynamics within the force.
The current status of mental health among Glasgow police officers shows a need for improved support and prevention measures. While Police Scotland and local partners offer welfare initiatives, counselling, and specialist officers trained to deal with mental health crises, there is a lack of detailed evaluations of these services’ effectiveness for officers specifically [3][4].
The upcoming International Association of Women Police conference in Glasgow in September 2025 could provide a platform for addressing mental health topics within policing, reflecting increased attention to wellbeing and professional development in the sector [5].
Last year, a record 14,508 police officers signed off from work due to mental health issues [7]. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support and prevention measures. As we continue to support our brave officers who put their lives on the line every day, it is crucial that we address the mental health challenges they face.
[1] https://www.gov.scot/publications/police-scotland-2021-22-annual-report/ [2] https://www.policefederation.org/news/2025/02/police-officers-taking-time-off-for-mental-ill-health-on-the-rise [3] https://www.police-scotland.org/about-us/our-work/mental-health-and-wellbeing/ [4] https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-health/support-for-your-mental-health/police-mental-health-support [5] https://www.iawp.org/events/2025-annual-conference [6] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-and-west-scotland-56325834 [7] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/01/record-number-of-police-officers-sign-off-sick-with-mental-health-issues
- The rising number of police officers taking time off for mental ill health, such as PC Denise Gemmell in Glasgow, highlights the necessity of enhancing workplace wellness, specifically focusing on mental health, within the police force to foster a healthier and more supportive working environment.
- The lack of evaluation on the effectiveness of current mental health support services for police officers in Glasgow, despite initiatives like those offered by Police Scotland and local partners, indicates a need for more research in this area to better understand and address mental health challenges faced by officers.
- Overall, it is essential to implement comprehensive health and wellness strategies encompassing mental health issues in the general news, crime, and justice sectors given the high prevalence of mental health concerns, particularly among police officers, as demonstrated by the increasing number of cases like that of PC Gemmell.
