Union condemns PCSO shift changes in Staffordshire
Changes to PCSO shifts could see some lose thousands of pounds in pay, a union has claimed.
Unison is calling on Staffordshire Police to reconsider the ‘ill-conceived’ proposals to change PCSO shift patterns, which would mean fewer being on patrol in the evenings.
Under the planned changes, PCSO shifts would end at 9pm, instead of 10pm, and more officers would be working during the day. This would result in PCSOs receiving less unsocial hours payments, which Unison says could equate to a pay cut of up to 14 per cent.
The union claims this would drive some PCSOs to leave Staffordshire Police. The changes are expected to save Staffordshire Police around £700,000, but bosses insist that this is not the main reason for the ‘data-driven’ plans, which they say will result in a stronger presence during the busiest times of day.
Unison West Midlands regional organiser Ashley Morley said: “These changes to PCSO shift patterns are ill-conceived, and would hit not only the workforce but the public they serve. The proposed £700,000 annual saving would come straight out of the pockets of staff through pay cuts.
“Some PCSOs would see their income drop by as much as 14 per cent, a cut many simply can’t afford. These aren’t highly-paid staff, but key workers who are out and about in their communities keeping people safe.
“There’s deep concern that experienced, dedicated officers will be forced to leave their jobs because they won’t be able to cover their bills. That’ll have a knock-on effect for people across Staffordshire if there are fewer staff to provide a visible presence, give reassurance and deter crime.
“It’s not too late for Staffordshire Police to rethink this plan, to protect both public safety and jobs.”
Staffordshire Police says the ‘evidence-based’ proposals will ensure a greater police presence in town centres, shopping areas and public spaces when it is most needed. But the force insists that the review of the PCSO role is still part of a formal consultation and no final decision has been taken.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We understand that any review or proposed changes can raise concerns, but it’s important to be clear about what these proposals mean. This is about protecting and strengthening neighbourhood policing within Staffordshire and we remain firmly committed to the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. This means that there will be no reduction in the number of PCSOs or the hours they serve our communities. In fact, we have a new cohort currently in training.
“We have been open about the financial pressure facing policing nationally. What that means for us at Staffordshire Police is that we must make savings of around £9m this financial year and £11m next year. However, our focus remains on delivering services more efficiently and effectively, our PCSOs are important to us and we want to retain, not lose them.
“We know this is a worrying time for our colleagues and we are engaging closely with them and Unison throughout this consultation process. Our colleagues welfare and wellbeing are extremely important to us and we are committed to listening to their views before making any formal decisions.”
Local councillors and MPs in Stoke-on-Trent have been calling for Staffordshire Police to reconsider the proposals, saying they could leave communities ‘exposed’ during the evenings.
