Force urged to rethink PCSO plans 'to protect both public safety and jobs'

CHANGES to PCSO shifts could see some lose thousands of pounds in pay, a union has claimed.

- Phil Corrigan

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.