The FBU’s executive council met this week to discuss the ongoing pension dispute confirming the government has delayed the introduction of new pension regulations by at least two months.
Recent weeks have seen a series of meetings between union officials and fire minister Penny Mordaunt. At the most recent of these the minister suggested areas where significant progress might be made.
Union negotiators will meet with DCLG officials today, with further meetings between FBU officials, representatives of fire service employers and government civil servants scheduled for next week. These meetings will be followed by a further meeting with Penny Mordaunt.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Although the minister has suggested areas where significant progress might be made, the FBU has sought additional advice from legal and actuarial advisors on several issues.
“Many of these issues are complex and specialist advice is necessary to ensure the rights of our members are properly considered.
“The FBU continues to negotiate in good faith with the government.”
The executive council welcomes the fire minister’s reiteration of her commitment to seek to offer the best possible arrangements for firefighters’ pensions.
In order to maintain dialogue the minister has confirmed that no steps will be taken to introduce new pension regulations until after 13 October at the earliest – a two month delay from the original government plans.
Wrack added: “We are aware of how frustrating it is for members when the full details of negotiations cannot be divulged.
“Our priority is to obtain improved pension proposals for consideration by members.”
