The FBU has called for 12 months of maternity leave on full pay for firefighters.
In a letter addressed to the fire service employers, the FBU said that many women feel they must return to work too soon as they cannot afford to stay on maternity leave.
The letter also cited research finding that exposure to contaminants while firefighting impacts the health of pregnant firefighters, foetuses, and babies.
Current maternity pay set out in the Grey Book provides 90% pay for an initial six weeks, decreasing to 50% pay for 12 weeks, followed by 21 weeks of statutory maternity pay at £172 per week. However, maternity pay varies across services, with some offering more.
Robyn Richardson, acting secretary of the FBU’s national women’s committee (NWC) described this as a “lottery” that “forces [firefighters with new-borns] back to work far sooner than they should have to”.
Ben Selby, assistant general secretary, said: “Proper maternity pay is essential for building an equal, supportive fire service which values and protects the health of pregnant staff and new parents.”
On 6 June, FBU reps raised the issue with employers at the National Joint Council, while the FBU’s national women’s committee organised a lobby outside. Employers responded positively, and said they would respond to the claim as soon as practicable.
