Hundreds of West Midlands Police officers in early retirement legal battle
More than 500 former police officers who were forced into early retirement have lodged legal cases against West Midlands Police.
The force imposed 'A19' regulations between 2010 and 2013 that led to officers who had service 30 years or more being told to give up work.
Experienced officers have now launched the action which could mean the force is hit with a mounting bill.
In February, 22 senior officers won an employment tribunal case at the High Court, against the decision.
The tribunal ruled the regulation had not been justified as the officers had been discriminated against.
West Midlands Police is in the process of appealing against the decision with claims compensation and legal costs could reach up to £15 million.
The force said it was facing legal action from 22 senior officers but at its latest Strategic Police and Crime Board meeting officials admitted it was facing another 500 claims.
Speaking after the tribunal verdict Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson had said: "It was necessary for the Police Authority to consider the use of regulation A19 as a result of the wide ranging austerity measures affecting public services.
"Had there been other viable alternatives the Police Authority would not have made the difficult decision to implement A19."
