The FBU are wholly opposed to any cuts in establishment within East Sussex. Frontline posts have already been reduced due to cuts within East Sussex.
Any further cuts to the already reduced establishment will put public lives at risk. The public need to know that by cutting firefighter jobs, having fewer fire engines available and other cuts will delay intervention.
Social deprivation and fire go hand in hand and therefore the most vulnerable in our society including the elderly, children and lowest paid will be put at the greatest risk if these cuts go ahead.
Deaths caused by fire within East Sussex have sharply risen over the last year and any further cuts, in the opinion of the FBU, will lead to even more deaths.
Not only will any cuts to frontline services put the public at greater risk, it will also increase the risk to firefighters. Firefighting is a dangerous occupation, in recent years firefighter deaths have reached alarming levels.
The FBU is committed to protecting the public and protecting firefighters.
East Sussex FBU will oppose any job cuts with all means available.
