NJC negotiations on future work of firefighters and fire and rescue services

Conference notes the continuing discussion at the National Joint Council (NJC) in relation to the fi ve work-streams previously identifi ed and reported to Conference 2015 and endorsed by that Conference. Conference notes the further work undertaken since then. This has included NJC approved trials of new and wider areas of work including emergency medical response. Conference notes that the trials were discussed in detail at the meeting of the NJC on 10 February 2016. That meeting identifi ed the need to discuss further:

• The changing of government departments in England and the impact that has had on progressing funding issues.

• The need for a formal evaluation of the trials and whether the technical author of that report would require further information/data.

• Any impact or implications of the above or other considerations on the duration of the trials.

Following this meeting further local trials commenced with the agreement of the NJC bringing the total number of Fire and Rescue Services involved to 27 by April 2016.

Conference further notes:

• That work is currently being undertaken by the NJC to agree the best way to assess the impact of these trials, including an assessment of the data, problems identifi ed, funding issues, operational procedure and related matters.

• That the development of any such work requires long term funding solutions so as to support the training, staffi ng and operational demands which would arise as well as addressing the pay and conditions issues which the FBU has set out to the fi re service employers.

• That it is in the interests of all concerned, especially those FBU members who have undertaken such trials, to accurately and thoroughly assess the evidence produced during the trials. This would strengthen any case which would be made to government/s regarding future funding.

• That concerns have been expressed regarding the implications of these trials for emergency fi re controls and the FBU members working within them, including, on occasion, a failure to adequately consult with FBU representatives.

Conference is dismayed at the lack of engagement by the ministers and government departments responsible for fi re in the discussions around the potential extension of the role of the fi re and rescue service including medical response. Conference maintains its view that the extension of the Fire and Rescue Service role offers a potential signifi cant improvement to public safety. However Conference also recognises that Fire and Rescue Services have suffered unprecedented cuts which increasingly jeopardise the service at local level as well as national resilience. Such cuts threaten to undermine this important area of discussion.

Against this background Conference resolves to authorise the Executive Council to continue negotiations, including the possible extension of the NJC work-stream trials. In any such negotiations, the Executive Council should continue to raise the concerns of FBU members regarding pay, conditions and staffi ng levels. Any agreement regarding a possible extension of the trials should include resolution of the issues relating to consultation and negotiation on behalf of FBU members in emergency fi re controls. Once NJC trials have been evaluated, the results will be issued to members through FBU structures to allow full discussion before any further decisions are made. Any such decisions will involve full consultation with all members.