Harrow: Police officers in Harrow are poised to stage mass protest rallies against government plans to change their working conditions.

The national leadership of 125,000 officers below the rank of superintendent met on Monday this week to decide whether to hold demonstrations across the country in protest at Home Secretary David Blunkett's plans to modernise the police force.

Wembley Arena could be used for a rally if senior members of the Police Federation agree to take action.

Chief among their concerns is a proposal to cut pay and allowances, which would see overtime rates reduced from time and a third per hour to ordinary pay rates. There are also plans to extend the working week from 40 to 42 hours without extra pay.

Officers are also concerned over the use of civilian wardens, who may not receive the 'special training' required to become a constable.

Fred Broughton, national chairman of the Police Federation, has accused the Home Office of attempting to portray the police as 'an inefficient band of malingerers'.

He said: "This is no way to motivate officers whose morale has suffered from lack of political support."

December 19, 2001 11:00