HUNDREDS of call handlers at Police Scotland could be forced to quit over cuts to pay and changes to working conditions, Scottish LibDems leader Willie Rennie has warned.

Rennie said salary reductions have damaged staff morale and urged ministers to take action to address staff concerns in order to ensure the service retained experienced call handlers.

Police Scotland has stated that a restructuring of terms and conditions was necessary following the centralisation of the force in 2013 in order to address historical anomalies and inequalities.

But a freedom of information request by the Scottish LibDems indicated that more than 120 staff at Police Scotland have had their pay cut, with some facing reductions of up to £6400 as a result of changes to back and night shift allowances.