COPS QUIT CRISIS
Merger plan has led 66% of British Transport Police staff to consider resigning
NEARLY two-thirds of British Transport Police staff have considered quitting over the merger with the national force, according to research.
The study also found 83 per cent were unsupportive of the planned changes.
The Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research’s findings were released a day after the merger – due in April 2019 – was put on hold indefinitely.
The SCCJR study, which earlier this month surveyed 66 per cent of BTP staff in Scotland, found that opposition was motivated by factors such as uncertainty over conditions and pensions.
Many saw the merger as “politically or ideologically motivated, citing the lack of a robust business case as evidence”.
Those questioned saw many disadvantages, including “a loss of seamless border policing … and financial costs”.
Among the few who saw any advantages, greater employment and development opportunities were cited.
Researcher Dr Kath Murray said: “Our findings point towards a need for improved communication with BTP officers and staff about how integration will work, and a better understanding of how the merger is affecting the professional and personal lives of BTP officers and staff.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said delaying the merger “will provide all partners with the opportunity to enhance the process of engagement, in particular with officers, staff and their representatives, on key issues such as terms and conditions”.