Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that it will shed around 1,000 jobs over the next four years as part of its efficiency savings drive, with the first lay-offs expected later this year.

The force is poised to lose 500 staff in backroom roles such as human resources and IT by the end of May, while 500 operational jobs are also set to go. The first redundancy notices will be sent to workers next week.

“This has been a very painful process for the staff involved and we will see many valued colleagues leave the force over the coming 12 months and beyond,” said GMP Chief Constable Peter Fahy.

He added that although the process of cutting staff would prove “painful”, the service remained “determined” to ensure that the changes did not damage its crime-fighting capabilities.

Last month, Manchester City Council revealed that it was to lose 2,000 employees and that it would be offering one-fifth of staff voluntary redundancy.

Posted by Cameron Thomson