PCSO shift changes would mean pay cuts, union says

PCSOs will end their shifts at 21:00 instead of 22:00 under the plans

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 proposals, which would see fewer support officers on patrol in the evenings.

Under the plans, PCSO shifts would end at 21:00 instead of 22:00 and more officers would work during the day.

The county's police and crime commissioner Ben Adams said it meant they would be "in the right places at the right times".

Unison said receiving fewer unsocial hours payments could mean pay cuts of up to 14% for PCSOs in the county.

It could drive some to leave Staffordshire Police, the union added.

The changes are expected to save the force about £700,000, but bosses insisted the main reason behind the change was to have a stronger presence at busier times.

Unison West Midlands regional organiser Ashley Morley said the plans were "ill-conceived".

"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."

'Best value'

A spokesperson for the force said they understood the changes might have raised concerns and that they were working with the union during a 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," they said.

Mr Adams said the plans were supported by evidence, and how the force saw the role developing in the future.

"The proposals reflect demand, allowing PCSOs to be in the right places at the right times to offer community engagement and visibility, and to tackle town centre ASB, shoplifting and other local issues at the most appropriate times."

He said the force had a duty "to get the best value out of all staff," which included reviewing shift patterns and expectations from the roles.

'Essential role'

Meanwhile, political opposition to the shift changes has continued to grow.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Jane Ashworth said she would raise the issue with senior officers at Staffordshire Police.

"We know there is considerable antisocial behaviour after 20:00 and the PCSOs are able to nip things in the bud and provide a reassuring presence," she said.

"We do not want to see PCSO shifts changed to the detriment of their pay or the service they are able to deliver."

It followed comments from MP Allison Gardener, who said the changes to shift patterns could leave communities exposed

A petition has also been launched calling on the council to publicly recognise the "essential role" played by PSCOs, and urging Staffordshire Police to withdraw the proposals.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.