Twenty former officers have launched claims against West Midlands Police after being forced to retire under a cost-saving scheme, it emerged today. The claims could be heard at an employment tribunal.

They have been made on the basis of age discrimination due to Regulation A19, which forces out those with 30 years of service.

Among the numbers are 13 former officers from the superintendent ranks and a further seven from the Pc, sergeant or inspector ranks.

Figures show that almost 100 West Midland Police officers have either left or confirmed their intention to leave by the end of this month. That number is in addition to 170 officers who have already been forced to retire.

A police authority report by Chief Constable Chris Sims says the 13 cases involving officers from superintendent ranks are currently on hold.

That is because the Superintendents’ Association, which is supporting the officers, are awaiting the outcome of a Court of Appeal case next month involving a Primary Care Trust staff member.

The association hopes that if that appeal is successful, it will help in its challenge in the use of A19.

The implementation of the regulation has allowed the force to make savings of £20 million this year.