Police Scotland has sparked a backlash from officers over a new policy that will require staff to be clean-shaven while wearing protective masks.
Police chiefs said the policy is being brought in to “protect those on the frontline” as wearing the FFP3 mask properly requires no facial hair.
The change means hundreds of officers will be forced to shave off their beards and moustaches by the end of the month.
Four police officers have already launched legal action over the controversial policy.
David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, told Sky News: “The SPF has been inundated with officers’ complaints.
"The Health and Safety Executive guidance is that a RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) policy should only be utilised as a last resort and there have been relevant questions raised as to why this policy is now being proposed.
“There are serious concerns in relation to the proposed implementation of the policy and its proportionality to risk.
“We are currently supporting several members who have lodged employment tribunal cases relating to the policy and have sought legal opinion relating to health and safety, discrimination and human rights.”
Police Scotland said there will be exemptions to the clean-shaven rule on religious or medical grounds.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “The safety of our officers and staff is a priority and the policy around the use of respiratory equipment is being implemented to protect those on the frontline.
“Significant learning from the COVID pandemic identified that the FFP3 mask - which is face-fitted and requires users to be clean shaven - offers the most appropriate and effective respiratory protection to officers and staff.
“The respiratory protective equipment policy mandates that, where it can be reasonably foreseen that an officer or member of staff will use an FFP3 mask in the course of their duties, they should be clean-shaven.”
