Police Pension Scheme (PO-12165)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Mr S’ complaint and no further action is required by Essex Police.

My reasons for reaching this decision are explained in more detail below.

Complaint summary

Mr S has complained that Essex Police delayed in referring him to a Selected Medical Practitioner (SMP) for consideration of whether he met the criteria for ill health retirement. It was later established that he did not meet the criteria, but this delay caused Mr S to suffer a financial loss due to his reduced pay whilst on sick leave between 20 May 2013 and 18 August 2014 and between 8 December 2014 and 14 June 2015.

Mr S argues that had he been referred to the SMP earlier, he would have returned to work more quickly, and received higher pay for the periods highlighted in paragraph 3 above.