³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Two police forces are to share one of their most senior civilian manager posts to cut costs.

Ian Watson currently heads Humberside Police's human resources operation but will now do the same job for the South Yorkshire force.

Mr Watson said the move would save each force £65,000 a year.

He said he had been tasked by the police authorities to make a "significant contribution" to the government's public spending cuts.

"This will result in fewer posts over the long term and will be achieved through a combination of natural wastage, staff redeployment, voluntary redundancy and, only as a last resort, compulsory redundancy," he said.

Mr Watson, who joined Humberside Police in 2008, will divide his time equally between the two forces.

Christopher Matthews, chairman of Humberside Police Authority, said: "These are incredibly challenging times.

"As a result of the comprehensive spending review, all police authorities are considering the ways in which they can significantly reduce the police budget."

He added that the job-share option was "an innovative example of how different police forces can work together to drive down management costs".

Charles Perryman, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Authority, said it would "ensure a reduction in duplication for both organisations".

Mr Watson will work in the joint role initially on an interim basis of up to 18 months.

He said: "This is a very exciting and positive initiative, and is mutually beneficial to both forces."