Employers across Bradford who allow staff to be on-call firefighters are to be recognised for their contribution.

Fire Minister Shahid Malik today launched a National Employer Recognition Scheme to highlight the support to communities by businesses who release staff to be on-call for the fire service.

On-call firefighters are men and women 18 or older who are available from their full-time jobs to respond to 999 calls.

More than 3,000 incidents a year are attended by West Yorkshire’s retained crews which operate in towns and villages including Otley, Ilkley, Haworth and Silsden.

Steve Beckley, deputy chief fire officer for West Yorkshire Fire Service, was due to speak today in Skelmanthope, Huddersfield, at the launch of the scheme.

He said: “West Yorkshire has 190 on-call personnel but we can struggle to keep some of the appliances they crew on the run during normal office hours because employers are increasingly, but understandably, reluctant to release staff for emergency calls.

“However, having trained firefighters on the books can bring considerable advantages in terms of knowledge about fire safety and various workplace regulations.

“An employer who supports members of staff in this way is therefore not only supporting the local community but benefitting the business.

On-call firefighters are paid a retainer fee for the hours they are available, plus fees for turnouts, community fire safety work and training. Mr Beckley said: “The modern-day firefighters is highly-skilled, highly-motivated and has a demonstrable commitment to effective teamwork. What employer wouldn’t value the brigade helping to develop those qualities?”

Mr Malik was today due to present the first four certificates at Skelmanthope Fire Station.

He said: “I am delighted to launch this national scheme, which recognises the invaluable service that employers, both big and small, give by agreeing to release their staff to be on-call firefighters, available to respond when the emergency call comes.

“Without the support of the business community the protection available in more rural areas of the country would be affected.

“The recognition scheme enables fire and rescue services to say ‘thank you’ for that contribution.”