WEST Midlands Ambulance Service may need to make compulsory redundancies as it battles to save millions pounds this year “due to extreme financial pressures”.

Consultations are currently underway with trade union representatives and the Trust has said “it will do everything possible” to avoid compulsory job losses but they cannot be ruled out.

Bosses are reportedly seeking voluntary redundancies in the first instance as part of efforts to make cost savings of £8.8million this year and a further £11.7million in 2016/17.

Trust chief executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “Due to extreme financial pressures facing West Midlands Ambulance Service, planning is taking place to ensure patients continue to receive the high standards of service we are known for.

“The Trust will operate within the financial restrictions placed upon it and will do everything possible to avoid compulsory redundancies but they cannot be ruled out at this stage.”

No frontline staff are expected to lose their jobs.

A number of administrative posts at the Trust’s Waterfront HQ, however, may be affected.