British police have asked employers to consider giving paid leave to more than 10,000 volunteer officers to help deal with the coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reported.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) said the service was likely to come under increasing strain as the virus spreads and special constables — volunteer officers who have the same powers as regular police — could help fill gaps caused by sickness and staff who needed to self-isolate.

“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,” said Martin Hewitt, chairman of the NPCC.

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