An internal report said some employees had been bullied, and found a “negative culture” that was “strong and growing”. Those leaving said treatment at work, rather than low pay, was the main reason for them to quit.
Other staff initiatives include a cycle to work scheme, help with affordable housing and discounts on computers and mobile phones.
There will also be “stress management programmes”, a “zero tolerance” approach to bullying and harassment, flexible working hours and newer ambulances.
LAS chairman Richard Hunt said it was time to “draw a line in the sand” to prevent morale and the vacancy rate worsening. He said: “What we are trying to do here is create an organisation that people want to stay working for, and come back and work for.”
Last month the LAS arrived at 67.1 per cent of the most serious calls, and 58.7 per cent of second-priority emergencies, within eight minutes. The 75 per cent NHS target is not expected to be met until the autumn.
The service is 330 paramedics short of its target but has for the first time recently seen the number of arrivals outweigh those leaving. There were 1,363 front-line paramedics in post in January.
