Police and fire: Front-line officers and backroom staff face axe
West Yorkshire Police have confirmed massive cuts to both front-line officers and back office staff as the force looks to plug an £87m black hole in its budget.
More than 200 officers and almost 450 support staff are expected to leave the force by March 2012, with 427 vacant posts due to remain unfilled.
The chairman of West Yorkshire Police Authority, Mark Burns-Williamson, warned: “No one should be under any illusion – this will impact on the way in which policing is delivered.”
The county’s fire service will suffer too, with 150 support posts lost and full-time firefighter recruitment suspended indefinitely as West Yorkshire looks to save £5.8m over the coming year.