A UNION has vowed to fight an ambulance service over its warning that 400 staff face redundancy

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) is to tell staff the job losses are to bring about a more efficient service.

It plans to break the news to workers in letters to be sent out tomorrow, only three days before Christmas.

Those most likely to be affected by the cuts include control room workers, payroll staff and mechanics.

It is hoped to keep compulsory redundancies to a minimum - but they have not been ruled out.

Last night, the move was condemned by the GMB Union, which vowed to fight the cuts.

Neil Derrick, the union's senior organiser, said: "GMB will contest the need for these job losses.

"We will demonstrate to the community the impact that these losses will have on the level of service, and we will be seeking the support of the public to avoid the job losses."

Ambulance bosses believe staffing and operational structures need changing to ensure a first-class service.

Many of the posts at risk have been filled on fixed-term contracts and by temporary staff. Bosses are hopeful that these positions will form the bulk of the job losses.

The redundancies will begin on March 31, with some staff being offered other jobs in the service.

Under the national NHS Human Resource Framework, staff must be given 90 days notice of redundancy.

Simon Worthington, acting YAS chief executive, said: "This makes the timing of this message to staff very difficult, as it is so close to Christmas.

"We fully anticipate that the majority of people will be redeployed to jobs within YAS.

"We appreciate that this may be a difficult time for affected staff. We will be working to complete the restructuring as soon as possible, but within appropriate time scales to ensure a fair and consistent process."