Lives could be put at risk by delays in training for new paramedics, it has been claimed.

An urgent meeting has been called for by the GMB union after a letter from the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) told trainee paramedics of a major delay in training.

Student paramedics for EEAS, which covers Epping Forest, have been told that mandatory university training has been delayed until January 2016 at the earliest.

The ambulance service claimed the delay was caused by new courses at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of East Anglia “requiring more work” before taking students.

The union is concerned the delay could lead to a shortfall in qualified staff in ambulances, and could put lives at risk.

Regional officer for the GMB Tony Hughes said: “Managers at the East of England Ambulance Service should be ashamed of themselves for letting this happen.

“The Trust should have made sure that the training places were in place before employing new staff without a clear path for them to get qualified as paramedics.

“It is unbelievable that EEAS are trying to wash their hand and blaming the training provider.”

The two universities are commissioned to train paramedics ahead of registration with the Health and Care Professional Council, which regulates health professionals to protect the public.

The EEAS has claimed it has approached other providers about providing the training but will only give information about this in the next two weeks.

Mr Hughes said: “New staff will have to wait much longer to be qualified.

“GMB want to be satisfied that this situation does not put lives at risk across the East of England and that there is no shortfall in staff with the right level of qualifications staffing the ambulances.

“Our members tell us that due to shortages student paramedics are often sent out on their own… the service’s users could be put at risk.”