Staff have won an independent inquiry into the fiasco

Hundreds of workers faced losing up to �8,000 a year after a year-long review which the force said cost �150,000.

Last Friday, the force said staff would keep their wage levels and those offered rises would have them honoured.

Staff said 16 people resigned because of the scheme. They are expected to be offered their jobs back.

I think most of us still feel very upset John Eascott

Police said the process has been put on hold and an independent inquiry would be held into the row.

Unions said the inquiry was likely to be carried out by the conciliation service Acas and the results would be made public.

However, Kevin Norman of the GMB union added: "I think we're far from out of trouble, but the reality is that we've got to move ahead and do that in a proper, structured way.

"Hopefully this inquiry will highlight the imperfections in the job evaluation review and we can put that right."

Support staff said the inquiry represented progress, but they were still feeling angry and de-motivated.

Witness liaison officer John Eascott said: "I think most of us still feel very upset.

"We've been hurt by what's happened, we've not been given any credit for length of service and we don't think anybody has stood by us."

Staff now want an apology in writing from Devon and Cornwall police's chief constable Maria Wallis.