POLICE staff are set to be made redundant in a bid to save money.

Greater Manchester Police Authority approved the issuing of 26 redundancy notices to police staff.

It followed a 90-day consultation period of the second review of the back office.

This review, which encompasses roles at GMP’s headquarters, involves the reduction of 71 police staff posts and seven police officers posts.

Twenty-six police staff are now at risk of compulsory redundancy. Bosses say with 76 vacancies across the Force, plus vacant call handler, radio operator and PCSO posts, every effort will be made to redeploy staff before the end of the three month notice period.

The seven police staff affected by the review will be redeployed to other roles.

Sharron Hardman, Independent Member and Chairman of the People and Development Committee, said: “We have approved the issuing of redundancy notices to 26 staff who carry out roles at GMP’s headquarters. We don’t underestimate the uncertainty and impact on staff and we will continue to work closely with the Force and trade unions to redeploy as many staff as possible so that those who want to remain with the organisation have the opportunity to do so.

“This is a very challenging time for the Police Authority and the Force as we find savings of £134 million over four years.”

Ch Con Peter Fahy added: “We are determined to keep compulsory redundancies to an absolute minimum.”