Unison says 20% of staff will see pay fall

Some at force headquarters in Exeter walked out of work and staged a protest on Wednesday.

The regrading, which will be followed by a new performance pay scheme next year follows a year-long review of civilian police staff's pay.

The force said the system was fairer as pay would be based on contributions of people rather than length of service.

'Equality foundations'

Assistant Chief Constable Caroline Winter said: "The force is changing, and we are increasingly being asked to deliver more within resources.

"In order to achieve this, we need to adopt a flexible system that balances the needs of all parties."

Ian Andrews of Unison, which has been involved in the negotiations alongside the GMB and the T&G unions, said about 60% of the 2,300 support staff will get pay rises or the opportunity to earn more.

But up to 20% could see their pay drop by about �2,000 a year.

Fergus Murchie, a data protection auditor, who is losing �2,000 a year, said: "I've got a mortgage, two step-children and two children who are dependent on CSA payments.

"It is going to affect them and everything else."

Iain Andrews from Unison, said: "Some people have been very disappointed by it and we are now supporting them through an appeals process.

"I can recognise their anger, but it will put foundations down for equality between men and women and the different jobs they do in the police force."