Pay 2020: employers delay response

1 July 2020

Dear Brother/Sister

Pay 2020: employers delay response

At the last meeting of the National Joint Council (NJC) in June the union set out to the fire service employers the case for significant increases in pay. This was reported in circular 2020HOC0345MW.

Since then we have been informed that the employers are in the process of consulting their side about a response to the FBU. The response from the employers is in the attached letter which states that they have faced ‘practical problems’ in carrying out this consultation. While the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly created organisational problems for everyone, we have made the point that the employers are well aware of the July 1 settlement date and this should have been addressed in advance. We await their response to our claim letter.

Members will be aware that improvements in pay are dependent on wider funding issues for the fire service and other public services and that we face significant challenges as the economy and public finances suffer the impact of Covid-19. We have already seen reports of the threat of further significant cuts in the London Fire Brigade. As always, campaigning on pay will be part and parcel of making the wider case for investment in our fire and rescue service.

Best wishes.

Yours fraternally

Matt Wrack
General Secretary