Menu
08/05/2003
FBU claim modernisation package will cost thousands of jobs
Government plans to remove national standards for emergency calls response times is paving the way for the biggest cuts ever seen in a public service, the FBU has claimed today.
The draft guidelines for local employers will see the national minimum standards for fire service responses to 999 calls replaced by local Integrated Risk Management Plans – that is, standards assessed locally.
The FBU says that the government proposals are part of a programme of cuts to firefighters and emergency control staff. The union claims that around 10-20% of its strength – around 10,000 from a total of 55,000 staff – could be shelved.
FBU president Ruth Winters said that the proposals mark will see cuts "unsurpassed in a public service in recent memory".
She added: “These are real cuts not genuine reform and investment. Their cuts agenda is ill-thought out, untried, untested. They plan massive cuts in the fire service, not investing to improve it... It will mean fewer firefighters taking longer to attend emergencies."
Fire authorities have been asked to draw up draft Integrated Risk Management Plans by September 2003 with implementation scheduled for next year.
Also today, the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott warned the FBU that they must accept the 16% pay rise.
Mr Prescott was speaking as the Fire Services Bill - which gives him the power to impose a settlement on the union - goes before Parliament today.
(GMcG)
The draft guidelines for local employers will see the national minimum standards for fire service responses to 999 calls replaced by local Integrated Risk Management Plans – that is, standards assessed locally.
The FBU says that the government proposals are part of a programme of cuts to firefighters and emergency control staff. The union claims that around 10-20% of its strength – around 10,000 from a total of 55,000 staff – could be shelved.
FBU president Ruth Winters said that the proposals mark will see cuts "unsurpassed in a public service in recent memory".
She added: “These are real cuts not genuine reform and investment. Their cuts agenda is ill-thought out, untried, untested. They plan massive cuts in the fire service, not investing to improve it... It will mean fewer firefighters taking longer to attend emergencies."
Fire authorities have been asked to draw up draft Integrated Risk Management Plans by September 2003 with implementation scheduled for next year.
Also today, the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott warned the FBU that they must accept the 16% pay rise.
Mr Prescott was speaking as the Fire Services Bill - which gives him the power to impose a settlement on the union - goes before Parliament today.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 May 2009
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
31 August 2006
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
20 July 2004
Two firefighters die tackling Bethnal Green blaze
Two firemen have died while tackling a blaze at a shop and flats in east London this morning. Around 30 firefighters were called to a blaze at a shop and three-storey flats on Willmot Street, off Bethnal Green Road, just after 4am. Two members of the public were rescued from the roof of the building by firefighters.
Two firefighters die tackling Bethnal Green blaze
Two firemen have died while tackling a blaze at a shop and flats in east London this morning. Around 30 firefighters were called to a blaze at a shop and three-storey flats on Willmot Street, off Bethnal Green Road, just after 4am. Two members of the public were rescued from the roof of the building by firefighters.
03 March 2010
Suspicious Glasgow Car Fires
Detectives in Glasgow's East End are investigating a spate of vehicle fire attacks in the city yesterday. Shortly after 3.30am police were called to a report of a vehicle fire in Ashvale Crescent, Glasgow. Upon arrival police were advised by Strathclyde Fire Service that four vehicles had been damaged by fire.
Suspicious Glasgow Car Fires
Detectives in Glasgow's East End are investigating a spate of vehicle fire attacks in the city yesterday. Shortly after 3.30am police were called to a report of a vehicle fire in Ashvale Crescent, Glasgow. Upon arrival police were advised by Strathclyde Fire Service that four vehicles had been damaged by fire.
19 November 2008
Chief Fire Officer Resigns Over Child Porn Arrest
A top fire officer for the West Midlands Fire Service has resigned after he was arrested on suspicion of making indecent images of children. West Midlands Police arrested Frank Sheehan, 55, yesterday at his home in Sutton Coldfield.
Chief Fire Officer Resigns Over Child Porn Arrest
A top fire officer for the West Midlands Fire Service has resigned after he was arrested on suspicion of making indecent images of children. West Midlands Police arrested Frank Sheehan, 55, yesterday at his home in Sutton Coldfield.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
