Police force in job cuts fear

Police staff are fearing for their jobs as GMP looks to save money to meet budget constraints.

The force, working closely with Greater Manchester Police Authority, has been identifying where savings can be made to ensure value for money.

It has already agreed to the civilianisation of 200 police officer posts to free officers up to get out on the streets.

The latest phase of work to protect frontline services while saving money is looking at the size and make-up of the workforce. Staffing costs account for around 86 per cent of the force budget so to make significant savings it has to be reduced.

There is already a freeze on police officer recruitment in place, which will be reviewed when funding levels are confirmed and GMP has stopped selection processes to promote sergeants and inspectors as a backlog of applicants has built up.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “The full impact of this on policing and other public sector services will be outlined in the budget announcement by the Chancellor on June 22.
“We have told senior staff that we have been looking at the size and make-up of our headquarters operations.

“We are looking to see how we make the best use of our leaders and the amount of money spent on supervisory activity, and have examined the human resources and finance functions to see where costs can be reduced.

“With the Police Authority, we have already agreed to a 10 per cent cut in the vehicle and fuel costs. These are all elements that are required if we are going to protect and develop our frontline services. This is about putting GMP in the best possible position to face the future.”