Eight years of pay errors for Suffolk firefighters, FBU reports

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Firefighters report eight years of pay issues

Firefighters in Suffolk have reportedly faced repeated payroll errors for the past eight years, with issues affecting salaries, pension contributions, holiday pay, and promotions.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has criticised Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Suffolk County Council, stating that firefighters continue to suffer financial difficulties due to miscalculations and administrative failures.

A report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), published last week, found that senior leaders at SFRS “aren’t providing effective strategic oversight of day-to-day operations” and raised concerns about “how it looks after its people.”

Fire Brigades Union calls for action

The FBU has stated that these management issues have resulted in incorrect salary payments since 2017, including errors in pension deductions, holiday pay miscalculations, and late payments.

In 2023, some firefighters were left with pension contribution shortfalls reaching four figures.

The union reports that these problems have continued into the past year, with ongoing errors in sick pay, promotions, and pension contributions.

Some firefighters are now repaying multiple arrears caused by payroll mistakes.

Firefighters express frustration over unresolved issues

Fire service staff have raised concerns about payroll inaccuracies through multiple votes of no confidence and formal complaints over the past eight years.

The FBU has engaged in discussions with fire service leadership, pressing for a resolution to the ongoing issues, but reports that the problems remain unaddressed.

FBU criticises fire service leadership

Phil Johnston, Fire Brigades Union Suffolk brigade chair, said: “Firefighters in Suffolk are rightfully outraged that their employer is still failing to pay them correctly.

“The inspectorate’s report into Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service shone a spotlight on failings of senior management last week.

“In a stark instance of these failings, leaders have ignored staff for eight years instead of fixing an administrative issue.

“It is appalling that firefighters continue to experience mistakes in their pay.

“Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk County Council must take action immediately to ensure Suffolk’s hardworking firefighters are paid correctly and on time.”

Firefighters in Suffolk face ongoing pay errors, says FBU: Summary

Firefighters in Suffolk have experienced payroll issues for the past eight years, with errors affecting pension contributions, holiday pay, and promotions.

The Fire Brigades Union has called for action, criticising Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk County Council for failing to resolve the ongoing administrative mistakes.

A report by HMICFRS last week highlighted concerns about senior leadership at SFRS, stating that they are not providing effective oversight.

The FBU reports that firefighters continue to deal with pay errors, with some repaying arrears caused by administrative failures.

Firefighters have raised concerns through votes of no confidence and formal complaints.

The FBU has urged SFRS and Suffolk County Council to act immediately to ensure firefighters receive accurate and timely payments.

Fire Brigades Union challenges real-terms funding cut to fire service

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Local government settlement reveals fire service funding increase below inflation

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has criticised the UK government’s funding allocation for fire and rescue services in England, arguing that a real-terms cut will put public safety at risk.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published its local government settlement on 3 February, outlining central funding levels for fire and rescue services from April 2025.

The budget will rise by 1.4%, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate is around 2.5%.

FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “This funding settlement is a real-terms cut to fire and rescue services across England.

“Even in cash terms, it will leave central government funding lower than it was a decade ago.”

FBU warns of further strain on fire and rescue services

FBU has stated that continued budget restrictions will worsen staffing shortages and emergency response times.

The union reports that since 2010, one in five firefighter roles has been cut, with central funding declining in real terms.

The latest budget allocates £999 million for fire and rescue services in England, reflecting a £13.4 million cash increase.

In contrast, in 2013-14, central funding was £1.24 billion when costs were lower.

Wright stated: “These cuts put lives at risk. We have lost one in five firefighter jobs since 2010, and response times are the worst they’ve ever been. Labour was elected promising change.”

Concerns over reliance on local taxation

The FBU has expressed concern that local authorities may attempt to compensate for the funding shortfall by increasing council tax.

The union has warned that this approach could widen disparities in fire service provision across different regions.

Wright said: “There is already a postcode lottery on fire cover, and a lack of central government funding will make fragmentation worse.

“In some areas, local authorities will raise council tax to cover the shortfall. In others, they may choose to cut the fire service even more.”

Call for investment in fire services and firefighter pay

The FBU has urged the government to reconsider the funding settlement and increase investment in fire and rescue services.

It is also calling for a pay rise for firefighters, citing significant real-terms wage reductions over the past 15 years.

Wright said: “The Fire Brigades Union urges the government to think again and deliver the investment we need to keep people safe.

“Any further cuts to fire services are cuts to public safety, and FBU members will be making that case to fire authorities across the country.

“We are also clear that we must see substantial real-terms improvement in pay, following 15 years of falling wages.”

Fire Brigades Union challenges real-terms funding cut to fire services: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has criticised the UK government’s local government funding settlement for 2025, stating that the 1.4% increase for fire and rescue services in England is below inflation and amounts to a real-terms cut.

Since 2010, firefighter numbers have declined by 20%, and response times have worsened.

The FBU warns that the funding shortfall could result in increased reliance on council tax to cover costs, leading to regional disparities in fire service provision.

The union is calling for a reassessment of the budget and for firefighter pay increases to offset years of declining real-terms wages.

Wright has urged the government to reconsider its position and prioritise public safety by ensuring adequate resources for fire and rescue services.

Reputation is Everything

by AmericasBreaking NewsIFSJ Exclusives

Why the industry must act to address the long-standing issues of culture and behaviour within the fire and rescue service

The recent reports regarding behaviours in the British fire and rescue service certainly make uncomfortable reading, however I cannot say that it is a surprise to me as this is just the latest in a series of reports which has identified the same things as the preceding ones. The only difference being the report has been commissioned by a new organisation and written by another author. So why will this report be any different?

For some leaders, there will be a feeling of real discomfort as they will have participated in some of the behaviours being described or have allowed them to happen on their watch. Regardless of the position individuals hold today, they cannot change what has happened nor can they hide behind tradition as justification. They must, however, change the fire and rescue service now and for the future to ensure that it is inclusive for all and accurately reflects the professional organisation which the public rightly expect and demand.

There can be no room for rationalising the deviation from what is expected compared to what has been delivered. It is now time to accept that several independent reports have identified that the culture must change, and certain behaviours must stop and those who think it’s not us, it’s the others need to take their heads out of the sand.

For some leaders, there will be a feeling of real discomfort

Managers, at all levels, in the fire and rescue service have a responsibility to ensure that this vital public service moves rapidly to become a genuinely fair and equitable workplace for all.

It is now time for the implementation of a meaningful action plan that is understood by all managers and the workforce which will bring about the change that is required. Leadership needs to come from the top, starting with organisations like, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) as well as representative bodies, including the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the Fire Officers Association (FOA) and those representing non-uniformed members of the service.

It would appear that HMICFRS is seen to have no teeth with many senior fire officers and Fire and Rescue Authorities paying little or no attention to the reports and recommendations provided following an inspection. With Chief Fire Officers (CFO) being appointed by, and answerable to, elected members and with instructions issued by the NFCC being purely advice and guidance and not mandatory, is it any wonder that we see such disparity across UK fire and rescue services?

It is also interesting to note that the NFCC appears akin to a private members club with entry only being offered to the most senior fire officers. The organisation operates as a registered charity, with a trading company delivering training and other services in return for remuneration as well as direct funding from central government. There is much mistrust shown towards the NFCC with it being seen as an exclusive order where members take on roles to ensure their national exposure for the next promotion and is rarely challenged when failing to deliver.

Is it time that CFOs are made accountable for their performance and the actions of their staff, with an independent national body being responsible for monitoring results and imposing sanctions?

Having spoken to several US Fire Chiefs this problem is not unique to the UK and is just as prevalent on the other side of the Atlantic. I remember back in the 1990’s being part of the UK – US Fire Officers Symposium which was set up by my good friends Bill Peterson and Dennis Davis to work collaboratively to deal with common issues. Perhaps it is time for this to be resurrected – is anyone interested?

Everyone in the fire and rescue service from the newest recruit to the most experienced employees need to engage in rapid change. It is time to accept some behaviours must stop, that we cannot hide behind tradition and out of date values. The Fire Standards Board was created to deliver the conduct and behaviours required but unless they are truly adopted and embedded, they are worthless.

Together we must take forward the very best of the fire and rescue service, regain the reputation earned through public trust and demonstrate to the public that they can be assured of a modern organisation that is able to take responsibility for itself and become a beacon as both employer and service provider.

About the Author

Duncan J. White has been an integral part of the global fire community for over 36 years. He took up the position of Managing Editor with International Fire and Safety Journal in January of this year. His honest approach, diligence and extensive knowledge of the industry means that he is ideally placed to ensure that IFSJ remains at the forefront of fire publishing.

To share your thoughts on this piece or to discuss editorial ideas please contact Duncan. His email address is duncanj.white@intfireandsafetyjournal.com