SCOTTISH policewomen have launched a fight to get the same maternity rights as English colleagues amid concerns many female officers are dropping out of the force.

Mothers in Police Scotland currently get just 13 weeks off on full pay after giving birth, compared with 18 at forces south of the Border.

The Scottish Police Federation,which represents rank-and-file officers believes this shortfall means many women come back to work unfit for tough street duties and end up taking time off sick or leaving the service altogether.

Jackie Muller, the SPF's equalities secretary, said: "Women are significantly under-represented in the police service of Scotland, comprising only 29 per cent of the workforce.

"Women are less likely to seek promotion and more likely to leave the service early.

"It is also known that most women struggle to return to work at the end of their maternity leave and many leave the service completely within a short time of having children."

Scottish police have avoided the cuts, including to pay and conditions, imposed south of the border.

But an English, Welsh and Northern Ireland package, regarded as being worse overall for officers, included a better maternity deal.

The 18-week maternity period, which can be staggered after 13 weeks, is the same as currently enjoyed by civilian staff in Police Scotland.

It is also roughly in line with other public-sector jobs, such as fire and rescue and the NHS.

Ms Muller added: "Police work is physically and mentally gruelling. It is unlikely that many women are actually ready to return to the full range of duties and shift patterns just 13 weeks after giving birth. "Regrettably, many will return to work and then have to go

off sick either immediately or shortly after returning to work."

Scotland is currently devolving a Police Negotiating Board of its own. This body will meet on May 7, the day of the general election, to discuss improved maternity.

However, Ms Muller has raised with the four main political party leaders at the SPF's annual conference. In the full rage of campaigning, all four expressed concerns. Only Nicola Sturgeon was aware of the problem.

Ms Muller has written to all four reminding them of their supportive words. Only Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has responded.

The force, and its watchdog and ruling board, the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), insisted they are working to address such matters.

An SPA spokesman confirmed talks were ongoing. He said: "We are absolutely committed to supporting officers and staff across Police Scotland and the SPA before, during and on return from periods of maternity leave."

A Police Scotland spokesman it was continuing to to work on the issue: "Regulations around terms and conditions, including pay, is a matter which involves a number of other parties including the Scottish Police Authority, Scottish Government and staff associations.

"It is important that officers and staff have confidence around rewards processes including salaries, which are based on objective criteria and free from gender bias."