BOSSES in the North-East are being asked to consider paying workers to help the police as forces across the UK come under 'increasing strain' from coronavirus.

This afternoon, The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) urged employers to continue paying their staff members to temporarily support them in a voluntary role with the police.

Asking employers to grant paid leave while workers take up 'special constable roles,' the NPCC said forces would increasingly need to maintain 'business-as-usual' policing in coming weeks.

Martin Hewittt, chairman of the NPCC, said: "Our special constables play a vital role in the police service, a service which will be placed under great strain over the coming months.

"We appreciate that this would be placing a further burden on businesses who are already suffering the economic impact of this virus, and we do not make this appeal lightly.

"Businesses who are able to release their staff to undertake these important roles will be supporting the national effort against COVID-19 by helping us to maintain services and keep people safe.

"This is part of our contingency planning for the coming weeks and months."

Who is eligible?

The NPCC said it was appealing is primarily to businesses which are already part of the national Employer Supported Policing Scheme (ESP) - an agreement where special constable employees are provided with extra paid leave to allow them to carry out police duties.

However, the organisation said employers who are not part of the scheme were also "being asked to show their support" and help "meet this unique call to action from police and government."