Since 2010, around 12,000 firefighter jobs have been cut across the UK – almost one-in-five (20%) of the total number of jobs, a travesty without precedent in the history of the fire and rescue service. The reduction of firefighter and emergency control staff jobs are now putting public and firefighter safety at risk.
The Westminster government and devolved administrations must fund the initial employment of an extra 5,000 firefighters to complement the existing professional workforce, with a review to examine further recruitment.
The Grenfell Tower fire exposed the consequences of deregulation for fire safety. Fire safety inspectors should get the resources needed to enforce existing fire safety legislation, as well as new provisions proposed as a result of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Firefighters expect employers and governments to engage constructively with our elected representatives at local and national level – namely the FBU – and through agreed collective bargaining arrangements.
The Westminster government and devolved administrations must commit to investment, not cuts to the fire and rescue service.
