Strike action - Greater Manchester Police contingency plans

Date published: 27/03/2006

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson: "Around one million public sector workers across Britain, including police staff, are expected to take industrial action on Tuesday 28 March. Police staff make up around a third of GMP's 12,000 workforce. The rest are police officers who, under law, are prevented from taking industrial action.

"Greater Manchester Police has been working on contingency plans to minimise any impact on the policing service provided to the public. There will be no disruption to emergency 999 calls, which will be answered in the normal way. Anyone with a genuine emergency situation should dial 999.

"One of the consequences of the industrial action will be fewer police staff available to answer calls through the 0161 872 5050 number. We would ask people where possible to leave non-urgent calls to the following day. People can continue to report minor crime online at www.gmp.police.uk

"Main police stations will remain open but some of the smaller police posts may close during the day to make the most effective use of the staff available.

"To minimise the impact of the action, some police officers will be moved to carry out roles normally undertaken by police staff. This may mean delays in dealing with non-emergency issues. However, if a major incident occurred we anticipate there would be extensive support from all staff to manage the situation.

"We will be monitoring the situation throughout the day and have contingency plans in place to ensure we continue to fight crime and protect people in Greater Manchester."