PCSOs vote for strike action over shift changes

Police community support officers (PCSOs) in Staffordshire have voted in favour of strike action in a row over shift changes.

Staffordshire Police introduced new shift patterns which would see fewer PCSOs on patrol during the evening, with their latest shifts ending at 21:00 rather than 22:00.

The union Unison said a ballot of 160 PCSOs in Staffordshire had shown "overwhelming" support for industrial action, which could include walkouts.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said they were disappointed by the outcome.

The shift changes, which came into effect this week, would also see PCSOs being trained to take statements.

The changes were expected to save the force £700,000 each year, but the force insisted the proposals were data driven and would result in a better service for the public.

More PCSOs would be on duty during busy periods, a force spokesperson said - but Unison claimed the move would compromise public safety and reduce the visibility of PCSOs at key times.

The union also previously said the changes would result in some PCSOs losing up to 14% of their pay.

"Our members do not want to take industrial action but neither are they prepared to accept the proposed changes to their terms and conditions of employment," a spokesperson for the union said.

Unison said it would continue to support PCSOs while it sought "meaningful engagement" with Staffordshire Police to resolve the dispute.

A spokesperson for the force said they would work with the officers and the union on a solution.

"For many, this is an emotionally charged situation, so we would ask that people refrain from commentary and speculation during this process," they added.

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

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