Police staff have voted against a pay offer and grading from chiefs.

The result of ballots by the three recognised trade unions (GMB, Unison and Unite) have now been counted the and as a result Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer has been informed that their members voted to reject the grading offer from the force and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

Chief Constable Sawyer said: “Clearly I am disappointed that members have voted not to accept the grading and pay offer and will now need to take some time to consult with the trade unions and work with the OPCC to understand the reasons behind the rejection before any further decisions are made.

“I have always made clear retaining our current grading and pay system is simply not an option. I will therefore need to consider how we will move forwards from here and ensure that we have a fair and equitable grading and pay system that is fit for purpose for the force and the public we serve.”