Community: Jobs warning to police support officers as funding fears grow

Lancashire Constabulary said it had decided to start formal talks with trade unions over the futures of its 427 PCSOs.

It said that it could not rely on funding being continually provided by central and local government and that the force itself could not afford the 220,000 per week needed.

In a statement the force said: "All PCSOs in Lancashire have today been told that their jobs might be disestablished on March 31, 2011, amid increasing uncertainty over future funding.

"The constabulary pays for its 427 PCSOs through a central Government grant or by funding received from partners such as local councils but there is no certainty at present that either of these avenues will continue after the end of the financial year.

"With an estimated 50m to find over the next four years, as confirmed by the recent Comprehensive Spending Review announcement, the constabulary knows it would not be able to find any additional money to cover the funding gap – which would amount to some 220,000 per week – and so has taken a decision to start formal consultation proceedings with the trade unions."

Explaining the decision, Lancashire's Chief Constable, Steve Finnigan said: "This is a hugely regrettable position for us as we place a great deal of importance on the role our PCSOs play in Lancashire and know that many members of the public feel the same way.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly but reflects the seriousness of the financial position surrounding the funding of PCSOs."

Responding to the announcement, the Unison branch secretary at Lancashire Police, Maureen Le Marinel, said: "We understand why the constabulary has had to make this very serious and difficult announcement. This Government has cut policing budgets so severely that the employer claims they have no other option but to make this announcement today."