Three demonstrators hold protect the right to strike placards at TUC rally

Government publishes workers’ rights package

On Thursday 10 October, the government unveiled its Employment Rights Bill. The legislation, which will now begin its journey through the House of Commons, would be the biggest expansion in workers’ rights in a generation. As Labour has a majority of 174, it is very likely to become law. It includes...

National Audit Office report on dangerous cladding

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Dear Brother/Sister National Audit Office report on dangerous cladding The National Audit Office published its report, Dangerous cladding: the government’s remediation portfolio, on 4 November. The...
Firefighter outside parliament wearing t shirt reading 'Firefighters demand investment, national standards, workers rights'

Fire union leader says Budget must usher in 'substantial' pay rises for workers

By Alice Dann
The general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union has called on the government to "go further and faster" responding to today's budget announcement. Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: Firefighters and other public sector workers have faced years of real term cuts to pay since...
Matt Wrack speaking parliament

Union leader warns Reeves of “threat to public safety” without increased funding

By Ben Duncan-Duggal
Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, has written to Rachel Reeves ahead of Labour’s first budget, to call for urgent funding for the fire and rescue service. While welcoming Labour’s workers’ rights package, the union warned that this approach “must be reflected in funding...
Welsh firefighter from behind

FBU to review report into South Wales fire and rescue service

By Ben Duncan-Duggal
A report by the Welsh Government’s Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor (CFRA) into the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has raised concerns regarding the safety of firefighters and the public, training and operational procedures, and made a series of recommendations. Ben Selby, Fire Brigades Union...
Matt speaking at FBU rally 2024 - rebuild our fire service

FBU urges no delay in full implementation of workers' rights package

By Ben Duncan-Duggal
The government is expected to set out its plan to Make Work Pay today. Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: "This very significant extension of workers' rights is a huge victory for the FBU and other unions that have been at the forefront of campaigning to ensure that Labour's...
Household energy ratings with pound coins

"Labour must tax the rich": unions call for reversal of winter fuel cut

By Alice Dann
Labour conference delegates have voted for the government to reverse the cut to winter fuel payments. Around 10 million pensioners in England and Wales will lose their winter fuel payments, worth between £100 and £100, this Autumn under new plans announced by Rachel Reeves. The motion, put forward...
Matt wrack speaking at Labour conference podium

Labour conference demands urgent action to prevent another Grenfell tragedy

By Alice Dann
Labour Party conference has unanimously passed a motion demanding urgent government action to tackle the building safety crisis in the wake of the damning Grenfell Tower Inquiry report. The motion, submitted by the Fire Brigades Union, condemns deregulation and austerity as central causes of the...
Firefighter holding sign that reads 'Penny Mordaunt penny pincher'

Rogue's gallery

Your cut-out-and-keep guide to Tory fire ministers Throughout the 14 years that the Conservative Party occupied 10 Downing Street, the FBU was led by one general secretary: Matt Wrack. The Tories, on the other hand, had no fewer than 11 fire ministers. All of them were part-time, and dealt with fire...
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