Forensic science lab could close

The Forensic Science Service analyses crime scene evidence for police forces

A Birmingham Forensic Science Service (FSS) laboratory could close, putting up to 180 jobs at risk, under plans being considered.

The city centre site is one of three FSS laboratories earmarked for possible closure under plans to transform the government-owned company.

A consultation process between the FSS and the unions began on 8 June and is still going on.

The FSS analyses crime scene evidence for police forces in England and Wales.

Its laboratories in Chepstow, Monmouthshire - which employs 160 people - and in Chorley, Lancashire - which has just under 200 employees - have also been earmarked for possible closure.

The Prospect union fears the possibility of up to 800 job losses across the service, including some from other laboratories in England and Wales.

Alan Organ, president of the FSS branch of Prospect, said up to 180 jobs at the Birmingham laboratory were potentially under threat, but added that some could be transferred elsewhere in the service.

He said: "The FSS is looking to totally transform its organisation on how it produces forensic work.

"We have got concerns about that - how it's going to deliver from more remote sites that are not close to the customer."

An FSS spokeswoman stressed the consultation was on-going and no decision had been made.

She said: "It is important to note that this is an on-going process, in which we will be working closely with employee representatives and employees to determine how best to accomplish this."

The FSS headquarters, at a separate site in Birmingham, is not being considered for closure.