Police Scotland to open voluntary redundancy scheme to civilian staff

A Police Scotland spokesman said the force had been “very clear” about the pressures on policing because of this year’s budget settlement.

He said: “These pressures have led to a reduction in police officer numbers to around 16,600 and we are building a service model which reflects that level.

“At the same time, we are reducing police staff numbers proportionately to the reduction in officer numbers and returning overtime costs to normal levels.

“Our commitment to no compulsory redundancies remains in place.”

Unison Scotland regional organiser Deborah Clarke said Police Scotland was repeating “the same mistake as many other public sector organisations by axing staff to fix a cash crisis”.

She said: “Unison has tried to work with the force to suggest other ways to make savings, but that advice has been ignored.”

Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Russell Findlay MSP said: “Sadly, this is the inevitable consequence of SNP ministers ignoring Police Scotland’s repeated warnings about the impact of their funding cuts.

“Police numbers are around their lowest level for 15 years and, predictably, crime rates are rising.

“The SNP must reverse their brutal underfunding of Police Scotland and provide the resources needed to keep our streets safe.”

The Scottish government said Scotland has more police officers per capita than England and Wales.

A spokesperson added: “The deputy first minister said that the UK government’s autumn statement delivered the ‘worst case scenario’ for Scotland’s finances.

“Ministers are assessing the full implications of that statement as they develop a budget that meets the needs of the people of Scotland, in line with our missions of equality, community and opportunity.”