South Yorkshire Witness Liaison Officers weigh up strike action in pay dispute
They claim equivalent staff working for West Yorkshire Police are paid £5,000 a year more
Staff who work with witnesses in criminal cases for South Yorkshire Police are considering whether or not to go on strike, in a dispute over pay.
GMB members in the Witness Liaison team want their wages bumped up to match staff working in similar roles at West Yorkshire Police, who they say are paid up to £5,000 a year more.
The staff provide help to victims and witnesses through the criminal process.
Joe Wheatley, GMB Organiser, said: "South Yorkshire Police Management are setting low value standards when it comes to the workers who help some of the most traumatised and vulnerable in our community.
“GMB members have been forced to take this action after being let down time and time again by South Yorkshire Police bosses.
“Industrial action will inevitably lead to chaos in our justice system, which is entirely down to SYP’s failure to take our concerns seriously.”
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "We recognise the important role carried out by our Witness Liaison Officers (WLOs), who assist members of our communities during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
"In recent months we have engaged closely with a group of our WLOs in force to understand the matters they have raised and ensure fair and thorough consideration is given to the grading of their role.
"However, following two internal reviews of the role applying the relevant force policies, a peer review by an external force, and an independent external review, the resulting grade has remained unchanged on each occasion.
"We are disappointed by this ballot, however should strike action follow, contingency plans are available to ensure we continue to deliver for victims and witnesses in South Yorkshire."