Firefighters are highly skilled professionals dedicated to keeping their communities safe. But their pay, and the current pay structure in the fire service, fails to recognise their true value.
Since 2003, a flat pay structure has left most firefighters stuck on the same rate for years, with limited opportunity for progression. This outdated system must go.
We need a new structure that reflects the skill, commitment and professionalism of our members.
Our demands
- Fair pay progression
- An end to the CPD postcode lottery
- Pay equality for retained firefighters and control staff
- Investment in the fire and rescue service to make it happen
Our national conference agreed in 2026 that any reform must meet strict and clearly defined principles.
It must deliver genuine improvements in pay and progression, address existing inequalities across roles and duty systems, and not be used to undermine nationally agreed terms and conditions.
We are in intensive negotiations through the National Joint Council with the aim of securing agreement on a new national pay structure, with implementation targeted from 2027.
At the same time, the union will continue making the industrial and political case for the additional investment required to support meaningful reform.
For the latest Pay Reform circular click here.
