Police chiefs have privately told ministers that a total of 28,000 jobs will be lost from the 43 forces in England and Wales because of government funding cuts, the Guardian has learned.
Sussex Police has announced plans to cut up to 1,050 police officers and staff over the next five years as a result of spending cuts.
Chief Constable Martin Richards said job cuts were inevitable as the force faced estimated budget cuts of £52m by 2015.
A police force is cutting 287 jobs as it tries to make savings of almost £10m.
West Mercia Police, which covers Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire, announced the cuts saying they will take place over three years.
A spokesman said 189 civilian posts would go and 98 (out of 2,400) officer roles.
It was a hastily organized meeting held last week between Police Chief Steve Jensen and leaders of the city’s two police unions to go over the latest citywide budget projections for 2011-12.
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