NATIONAL Crime Agency security guards will start balloting for strikes on Tuesday over plans that could lead to job losses and demotions.

Nearly 40 officers employed by outsourcer OCS face redundancy or applying for new roles on worse terms and no guarantee of employment, the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said.

OCS failed to carry out meaningful consultation over how the agency’s move from its west London site in Vauxhall to Stratford in September will affect the employees, said the union.

They face reduced occupational sick pay, less annual leave and move from a salaried contract to hourly pay, it said.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “It is disgraceful that experienced security officers who have spent years protecting the NCA are being treated as though their service counts for nothing.”

OCS has refused to recognise PCS and “this dispute is another example of why outsourcing fails,” she added.

The company was contacted for comment.