Unison members say they were kept in the dark

Up to 600 workers say they will see their pay cut by up to �8,000 a year in a jobs evaluation.

The force said the review was designed to ensure staff were paid fairly and would have opportunities to earn more.

Martin Follett, of Follett Stock, Truro said it was "tragic" workers had been given no "preparation" for the plan.

Staff are staging a series of walk-outs and plan to stage industrial action in protest at the changes.

There are a lot of very angry people and I can well understand it Martin Follett

Mr Follett said the exercise had been "a public relations disaster" from a police viewpoint.

He added: "Job evaluation is a good idea to make sure everyone is being paid the right amount.

"If the police authority had spoken to their employees and said what was going on - that this is because we want to be fair to everyone and you will still be able to appeal - they would not have had this outcry and rage."

'Complete shock'

He also criticised unions for not keeping members informed.

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

Mr Follett said: "There are a lot of very angry people and I can well understand it. The news came as a complete shock to them."

Devon and Cornwall Police have refused to comment but Unison has rejected accusations that it kept members in the dark.

Branch chairman Bob Waycott, said: "We had agreed to enter a pay model, but we only became aware on the day that these people were sent their letters of the huge reductions in salaries some of them were getting.

"There is an appeals procedure and it would be our expectation that a lot of these people would win an appeal. We will support every Unison member through an appeal."

The GMB, which is threatening industrial action, said it had not been invited to the review.