Grey book term - family friendly

Due to the constant attacks on terms and conditions and duty systems the term ‘family friendly’ needs to be more transparent.

The term family friendly is a key factor in negotiating shift patterns as per Section 4, Part A, Paragraph 3 (4): ‘It should have regard to the special circumstances of individual employees and be family friendly.’

This term is vague and is interpreted by the employer to suit the Fire Service needs or even ignored by services and occasionally by independent chairs at Technical and Resolution Advisory Panels.

Therefore, Conference demands that the Executive Council negotiates with the NJC to clarify and provide a guidance document on what the term family friendly actually means and an appendix containing that guidance be included within the Grey Book.