By Gemma Fraser
Head of content
Police Scotland has been taken to an employment tribunal more than 140 times in the past five years, new research has revealed.
The number of tribunals held has risen significantly, almost trebling from 15 in 2020/21 to 40 in 2024/25.
In the 2025/26 financial year so far, there have already been 17 people who have taken Police Scotland – or the Scottish Police Authority in the case of civilian staff – to an employment tribunal.
This brings the total to 143 since 2020.
Successes of high-profile cases such as that of firearms officer Rhona Malone may have contributed to the increase, as well as issues with dealing with grievances internally before they reach the stage of being dealt with independently.
Figures released via freedom of information laws reveal that Police Scotland has paid out more than £850,000 in the past five years as a result of being taken to an employment tribunal by employees.
The service has spent the majority of that figure – £720,027 – on legal fees trying to defend itself in actions brought about by officers or staff.
This figure could potentially be even higher, but Police Scotland has admitted that “due to apparent miscoding when invoices have been processed it has not been possible to confirm the extent of any additional fees”.
“Scotland’s officers operate under some of the most challenging conditions in UK public service, yet too often they feel unsupported, unheard, and driven to formal action as a last resort”
Lorna Robertson, deputy general secretary, Scottish Police Federation
Scottish Police Federation (SPF) deputy general secretary Lorna Robertson said: “These figures highlight a pattern we have consistently warned about – employment disputes within policing are increasing, and the associated legal and compensation costs continue to rise.
“Police officers deserve fair treatment, dignity at work, and a robust system that resolves issues at the earliest opportunity. Instead, we see an ever-growing bill due to avoidable failings.
“Scotland’s officers operate under some of the most challenging conditions in UK public service, yet too often they feel unsupported, unheard, and driven to formal action as a last resort. This is neither efficient, nor fair, nor sustainable.
“It is time for meaningful investment in officer welfare, early resolution mechanisms, and a culture that values and protects the people who serve our communities every day.”
Since 2020, £130,865 has been paid out in compensation as a result of an employment tribunal ruling.
However, this figure does not include the amount of compensation paid in out-of-court settlements – which runs into millions of pounds.
Earlier this year it emerged that the force paid out almost £3 million in compensation payments to settle cases, with officers signing non-disclosure agreements as part of the deal.
Last month, 1919 reported that PC Denise Gemmell was awarded £43,092.35 for loss of earnings and injury to feelings after an independent employment tribunal ruled she had been victimised.
Her decision to take Police Scotland to an employment tribunal was made because she felt the service’s own grievance procedure had not given her “justice” as her complaint was not upheld.
In September, two police officers who had their authorisation to carry firearms removed after posing for a photograph with singer Tallia Storm won a combined payout of almost £50,000.
PC Steven Jones and PC Greg Tunnock were removed from their roles following the incident in Edinburgh, which appeared on TikTok in March 2024.
An employment tribunal ruled Police Scotland directly discriminated against the officers because of their sex and the decision to withdraw their firearms “amounted to a knee-jerk reaction in response to adverse media coverage”.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Compensation payments are dealt with on a case by case basis with a view to securing best value for the public purse.”