A protest will be staged by hundreds of firefighters and control staff today (November 1) amid warnings of the impact of spending cuts on jobs and response times.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) published a manifesto which calls for an “immediate injection of cash” into the fire and rescue service.
As the country recovers from flooding and braces for the realities of climate change, the union said politicians must listen to the voices of frontline firefighters if they want to avert “catastrophe”.
The FBU is making its plea for action following the loss of one in five firefighter jobs in the past 13 years amid funding cuts, it said.
It claimed this had led to record-high response times and the closure of dozens of fire stations.
Firefighters set to protest over spending cuts
The FBU also called for a new statutory advisory body to set policy and standards, with a seat at the table for firefighters and resources to safeguard against flooding and extreme weather events.
A rally will take place in Westminster today and it’s expected that firefighters from across the UK will travel to the event.
Why are firefighters protesting?
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “The fire and rescue service is in crisis. To avoid catastrophe, politicians must start listening to the voice of the frontline.
“Firefighters are there in our time of need, and climate change means there is an urgent requirement to build resilience in the fire and rescue service, as recent flooding has illustrated.
“But every year it’s getting harder to protect our communities. One in five firefighter jobs has been cut since 2010. Response times are at record highs and firefighters are regularly pushed beyond safe limits.
“Meanwhile, decades of deregulation have created the conditions for tragedies, putting safety in homes and workplaces on the line.
“Today, firefighters will travel from all over the UK to send a clear message to the next Westminster government, in an extraordinary display of dedication to our service.
“Firefighters are committed to saving lives. We’re calling on politicians to answer this emergency call.”
🔥Join the fight for our future 🔥
— Fire Brigades Union (@fbunational) October 6, 2023
On Wednesday 1 November, firefighters will come to Westminster for our national rally.
We will be unveiling The Firefighters' Manifesto to demand a resilient service with the resources it needs.
Contact your Brigade officials for more info. pic.twitter.com/xVTK484f7t
A Home Office spokesman said: “The Government is committed to ensuring fire services have the resources they need to do their vital work and to keep the public safe.
“In 2023/24, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.6 billion, an increase of 8.1% compared to 2022/23.
“Decisions on how their resources are best deployed to meet their core functions are a matter for each fire and rescue authority.”
While the number of firefighters has fallen over the longer term, the Home Office said the work of the fire and rescue service has changed “hugely“ in recent years.
It added that setting firefighter pay is the responsibility of employers, working through the National Joint Council - the Home Office plays no role in the negotiation or funding of firefighter pay.
“Last year, the Government published its Fire Reform White Paper and consultation to strengthen and improve the Service for both professionals and the public.
“The Government remains committed to reform in the fire sector and will continue to push for meaningful change for the benefit of both the sector and the public. The response to the white paper will be published shortly.
“It is the responsibility of Fire and Rescue Authorities to ensure that firefighters receive the appropriate equipment and training they need to safely respond to the wide range of incidents which they attend. We will continue to work closely with the National Fire Chiefs’ Council to ensure fire and rescue services have the resources they need to keep the public safe,” it added.
A Home Office spokesperson added: “The Government is committed to ensuring fire services have the resources they need to do their vital work and to keep the public safe.
“In 2023/24, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.6 billion. Decisions on how their resources are best deployed to meet their core functions are a matter for each fire and rescue authority.”
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