Firefighter pension delays: Fire Brigades Union calls for government intervention

by Featured News

Delays in processing pensions affecting retired UK firefighters

The Fire Brigades Union has urged the UK government to intervene after delays in issuing pension statements have left some retired firefighters receiving less than they are entitled to.

According to the Fire Brigades Union, the delivery of Remediable Service Statements (RSSs) is falling behind schedule.

These documents are essential for processing changes linked to a 2018 court ruling which found that pension reforms introduced in 2015 were discriminatory.

The union said the delay means thousands of retired firefighters are being underpaid by several hundred pounds a month.

Legal background to pension changes and the McCloud ruling

In 2015, the government implemented changes to the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme, replacing it with a less generous version.

This was challenged by the Fire Brigades Union and led to a landmark Court of Appeal ruling in 2018.

The court found that the transitional arrangements were discriminatory based on age.

As a result, approximately 10,500 firefighters are eligible to transfer up to seven years of pension contributions into their original scheme.

The Fire Brigades Union stated that the process for making this change depends on the provision of a Remediable Service Statement, which outlines how the decision would affect each individual’s pension.

This statement is a prerequisite before any changes can be made.

Missed RSS deadline raises concern among retirees

The regulatory deadline for issuing the RSSs was 31 March 2025.

However, some firefighters have been informed that their scheme managers will not meet this deadline due to the complexity of some cases.

In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright wrote: “Members who have already retired […] are likely currently in receipt of a pension that is far lower than the amount they are entitled to.”

Wright added: “It is disgraceful that some fire authorities are still failing to give retired firefighters what they are legally entitled to.”

Union calls for government to ensure compliance with legal obligations

The union said the government must ensure fire authorities comply with their legal obligations following the court judgment.

Mark Rowe, national officer at the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Fire authorities have a duty to act quickly, but have failed to do so. The government must now intervene.”

The union’s letter called for urgent clarification on when affected members will receive their RSSs and what actions are being taken to enforce the deadline.

The union also reminded the government that while limited extensions can be granted in individual cases, no general delay is permitted under the Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022.

Firefighter pension delays: Fire Brigades Union calls for government intervention: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has called on the UK government to intervene following delays in delivering Remediable Service Statements to retired firefighters.

These documents are required for pension adjustments related to a 2018 court ruling that found earlier pension reforms were discriminatory.

The deadline for delivery of these statements was 31 March 2025.

Some firefighters have been informed that this deadline will not be met.

The union said this delay means retirees are receiving reduced pension payments.

General secretary Steve Wright and national officer Mark Rowe said fire authorities have failed in their obligations.

They urged the government to ensure that fire authorities issue the required documentation within the legal timeframe.

The union’s letter to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner asked for a clear timetable and stressed the impact on members already experiencing financial loss.

The Fire Brigades Union represents around 10,500 affected firefighters eligible to adjust their pension contributions.

FBU announce call for Israel to release fire engine donated to Palestine

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

The Fire Brigades Union has announced that 20 MPs have signed an open letter calling for Israeli authorities to release a fire engine donated to Palestinian firefighters.

Fire Brigades Union members in Scotland donated a fire engine last year, packed with firefighting kit, equipment and medical supplies and arranged delivery to the port of Ashdod to be transported to Nablus in the West Bank.

It has been impounded by Israeli customs at the port since July 2024 despite having the necessary paperwork.

In November, firefighters and supporters held a demonstration outside the London embassy to demand the release of the fire engine.

The letter, signed by firefighters, trade unionists and MPs, calls for the immediate release of the fire engine so that it can be safely delivered to aid firefighters in Nablus.

The full statement

The full statement from the MPs and trade unionists reads: “As firefighters and fire and rescue service workers, members of the Fire Brigades Union, other trade unionists, Members of Parliament and campaigners for justice and human rights, we are calling for safe release of the fire engine sent by FBU Scotland to aid Palestinian firefighters – but impounded by the Israeli authorities.

“This appliance, packed with firefighting kit, personal protective equipment, breathing apparatus, cutting tools and medical supplies, was sent for use by the Palestinian fire and rescue service in Nablus, in the West Bank. It has been held in the Israeli port of Ashdod since July 2024.

“In November London firefighters and supporters demonstrated outside the Israeli embassy to demand its release. We add our voices to this call, so that the fire engine can be used for its intended purpose, to help firefighters in Palestine save lives.”

Call for Israel to release fire engine donated to Palestine announced by FBU: Summary

20 MPs have signed an open letter calling for Israeli authorities to release a fire engine donated to Palestinian firefighters, announce the FBU.

The statement explains how the fire engine needs to be used for its intended purpose, to help firefighters in Palestine save lives.

FBU General Secretary calls for commitment to workers rights

by Featured NewsFire Brigades UnionPeople

The newly elected Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, Steve Wright has warned Rachel Reeves against `invoking Margaret Thatcher‘, calling for the government to deliver manifesto commitments to workers’ rights in full.

The FBU welcomes the Chancellor’s assurance that there will be no scaling back of the Labour government’s employment rights legislation.

General Secretary, Fire Brigades Union, Steve Wright’s statement

Steve Wright said: “It was concerning to see the Prime Minister use a media intervention about the government’s growth plans to invoke the policies of the Thatcher government.

“The FBU was at the forefront of the fight back against Thatcher’s attacks on workers’ rights and jobs, all of which were continued by successive Tory governments up until and including that led by Rishi Sunak.

“The FBU believe that the Labour government’s Employment Rights Bill is critical to growing the economy, as a properly paid workforce that is better protected against unfair dismissal and has more secure employment is essential to delivering greater growth.

“With the Bill due to pass through parliament in a matter of weeks, the government must ensure the legislation on workers’ rights is in place much faster than the planned timeframe of autumn 2026.

“The ban on exploitative zero-hour contacts and additional protection against unfair dismissal must come into force by this summer at the very latest.

“However, the full delivery of the Labour manifesto commitment on workers’ rights must be reflected in substantial pay rises for firefighters and all other workers.

“The statutory living wage must also be increased to well over £15 per hour by the time the employment rights bill becomes law.

“The Labour government will only achieve its ambitious growth plans if it acts swiftly to place more money in the pockets of workers in secure jobs.”

FBU’s General Secretary has warned government against Thatcher behaviour: Summary

Newly elected Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, Steve Wright has stated that the FBU believe the Labour government’s Employment Rights Bill is critical to growing the economy.

Fire Brigades Union former General Secretary calls for investigation

by Featured NewsFire Brigades Union

Data collected by Legal Expert has cast light on the threat faced by firefighters around the UK and led to Matt Wrack, former General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, to call for urgent change.

The information, which was gathered through Freedom of Information requests sent to nearly 40 fire services around the UK, shows that members of the public attacked crew members on thousands of occasions.

Firefighters were subjected to physical attacks, verbal assault and threats of violence, with numerous missiles thrown at them and their appliances during operations.

National stats suggest trend

Statistics published by the Home Office indicate that there were 96 injuries suffered from attacks during England-based operational incidents in 2023/24. Not only was this a rise of more than 25% on the year before, but it was the highest figure recorded in any of the past 15 years, and a 284% increase on the 25 cases noted in 2014/15.

Firefighters suffered 82 slight injuries and 14 serious injuries, according to the data.

Former General Secretary, Fire Brigades Union, Matt Wrack’s statement

Before leaving his role in January, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack called for greater trust and protection for firefighters when responding to the data collected by Legal Expert.

Wrack said: “Firefighters must be able to respond to emergencies everywhere without fear of abuse or injury from attacks.

It is vital that fire and rescue services retain and build trust with local communities, but community engagement projects have been cut while firefighters are sent out with fewer resources and smaller crews.

“Some services are now overseen by police commissioners, which jeopardises public perception of the service as independent and humanitarian. We need investment in the fire and rescue service to reduce the risks firefighters face while they are protecting others.”

Over 1000 incidents shared by two fire services

West Midlands Fire Service took in 666 reports of violent activity between April 2020 and November 2024–with the data covering a period more than a year shorter than that of most other services.

There were 449 cases of verbal abuse, at a rate above one every four days. Only three other services across the UK reported more instances of physical or verbal attacks in six years than the 180 seen in the West Midlands in 2023 alone.

Detailed Staffordshire reports give insight into everyday threats

Fire service staff have felt the strain in recent years, with one report showing a 40% rise in mental health-related absences. Multiple services also saw staff miss significant amounts of time because of attacks by members of the public.

The London Fire Brigade lost 372 working days due to assault-related absence, 259 of which involved staff in Barnet. Northern Irish staff were also significantly affected, with three injured crew members missing 103 days between them.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, which noted 56 incidents including 17 physical assaults, provided summaries of its reports. An April 2022 case noted how the family member of a person who died in an incident attacked one firefighter, scratching their face, then “tried to run down” two more.

In another incident, Tamworth Fire Station was informed that a first responder was struck on the ankle when a member of the public threw tiles from the roof of a building. Fire services across the UK shared reports of missiles being thrown, with objects including bricks, stones, eggs and fireworks all aimed at staff.

Ex- General Secretary for the Fire Brigades Union calls for end to violence: Summary

Matt Wrack, the now former General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, has called for an investigation to be made into the increased level of violent attacks made towards firefighters.

Steve Wright elected as new general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, Matt Wrack out

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPeople

Election results reveal Fire Brigades Union leadership change

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has elected Steve Wright as its new general secretary, following an election held between 10 December 2024 and 14 January 2025.

A total of 8,648 members participated in the election, representing a turnout of 29%.

Wright secured 59% of the vote with 5,188 votes, defeating incumbent Matt Wrack, who received 3,436 votes (41%).

Wright’s term as general secretary begins immediately.

Wright’s extensive career in the FBU and fire service

Steve Wright has been a member of the Fire Brigades Union for over 20 years.

He began his career in 2001 with Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service at the age of 18 before transferring to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2006.

Within the FBU, Wright served as Vice President since 2023 and represented the Southern region as an Executive Council member.

He first became active in union leadership during the 2002-3 pay campaign as a branch representative.

Incoming general secretary outlines vision for the Union

Steve Wright addressed Union members following his election: “I am deeply honoured to have been elected as general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, and I want to thank all FBU members who participated in this election.”

He committed to working with the Executive Council and union officials on key issues, including pay, pensions, and working conditions.

Wright also highlighted priorities such as campaigning for better investment and national standards in fire and rescue services.

“Our union has a proud history of standing together, and recent campaigns have shown what can be achieved through unity and determination,” Wright said.

Matt Wrack reflects on two decades of leadership

Outgoing general secretary Matt Wrack expressed pride in his tenure, which spanned 20 years and saw eight UK prime ministers in office.

Wrack highlighted achievements under his leadership, including the FBU’s successful campaigns for a 16% pay rise over the last three years, significant maternity pay progress, and securing improvements for retained duty firefighters.

He also underscored the importance of the union’s DECON campaign addressing fire contaminants and the broader fight for equality within the sector.

Reflecting on his departure, Wrack said: “I leave the FBU with my head held high.

“Since the age of 16, I have been an active anti-racist, anti-fascist.

“I became a socialist as a teenager, and I have been a trade unionist all my working life.

“My views and values have not changed, and I will continue that fight.”

Steve Wright becomes Fire Brigades Union general secretary: Summary

Steve Wright has been elected general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, receiving 59% of the vote during an election held between December 2024 and January 2025.

With over two decades of FBU membership and a career spanning Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire fire services, Wright has served as Vice President since 2023.

Outgoing general secretary Matt Wrack reflected on his 20-year tenure, citing achievements in pay negotiations, equality, and safety campaigns.

Wright’s term begins immediately, with priorities including pay, pensions, and improving national standards in fire and rescue services.

Fire Brigades Union says Gloucestershire’s change to working hours will be damaging

by Featured NewsFire Brigades Union

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has raised widespread concerns that the imposed changes to working hours will make the job too costly for those with childcare or caring responsibilities. They have acknowledged how these decisions will take a toll on the mental health of a workforce already under pressure.

At a Scrutiny Committee meeting, Councillor Dave Norman confirmed that the county council will move ahead with changing firefighters’ shifts from nine hour days and 15 hour nights, to 11 hour days and 13 hour nights for wholetime community fire stations.

This decision has been made regardless of the Scrutiny Committee raising the need for a consultation process involving firefighters, after councillors received a number of letters and emails opposing the change.

Alongside written complaints, 25 firefighters attended the public meeting in opposition to these changes. In the wake of this, the FBU warn that firefighters have extended a warning to Gloucestershire County Council that they will be fighting the decision.

Kate Yhnell, Fire Brigades Union, Brigade Organiser’s statement

Fire Brigades Union, Brigade Organiser for Gloucestershire, Kate Yhnell said of the issue that: “No firefighter should be put in a position where it is cheaper for them to quit because of the cost of childcare around unworkable shifts.

“Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue offers the worst maternity provision in the country. Instead of improving support for women in the workplace, it is now punishing parents and carers with this unnecessary and damaging policy. “

Dave Roberts, Fire Brigades Union, Regional Secretary for the South West’s statement

Dave Roberts, Fire Brigades Union Regional Secretary for the South West said of the decision that: “Firefighters are dedicated to protecting our communities, and work extremely hard under immense pressure to save lives and homes.

Gloucestershire County Council has chosen to insult the frontline by refusing to listen to any of the serious issues raised around changes to working hours. This will only have a detrimental effect on the working lives of firefighters in the region, and the service as a whole. “

“We will do everything in our power to reverse this nonsensical decision.”

Ben Selby, Fire Brigades Union, Assistant General Secretaries statement

The Fire Brigades Union, Assistant General Secretary, Ben Selby discussed how this decision will impact female members of staff, saying: “Gloucestershire fire and rescue service cannot claim to be supporting or recruiting women firefighters while implementing shifts that increase financial pressures on those with caring responsibilities.”

Impact of Gloucestershire’s change to working hours will be damaging say The Fire Brigades Union: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union have spoken out about changes to the shift patterns of firefighters under the Gloucestershire County Council, calling them damaging and nonsensical.

Mental health crisis is costing millions say UK Fire & Rescue Service

by Featured NewsFire Brigades UnionPeople

“Firefighters are being pushed beyond limits to keep the public safe,” says Fire Brigades Union.

Data obtained by Accident Claims Advice (ACA) via Freedom of Information Request to UK Fire Services has found that work-related stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD were the most common conditions cited for staff mental health absences in the last three years. 

Out of thirty four Fire and Rescue Services that responded to the request in full before the deadline, thirty people reported a rise in staff absences due to mental health.

Cost of the mental health crisis

What’s more, the estimated total cost of all sickness absences (including for mental health) since 2021 is £84m at London Fire Brigade alone – so is likely to be well in excess of £100m for the UK’s fire services as whole.

Between 2021 and 2024 more than 24,000 UK Fire Service staff took at least one day off work due to mental health, with the figure rising year on year.

In 2021/22, 7,359 staff absences were recorded, rising to 8,300 the following year.

The figure has now reached a three-year-high with 10,338 UK fire staff mental health absences recorded – a rise of 40% compared with 2021/22.

The London Fire Brigade estimates that the total cost of all sickness absences to the service amounted to £25,693,253.88 between 2021/22 rising to £28,697,037.01 and is now at a three-year-high with the estimated cost to the service standing at £29,552,381.75 for 2023/24.

Fire Brigades Union General Secretaries statement

The Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, Matt Wrack, told ACA: “We are facing a mental health crisis in the fire and rescue service. Since attending traumatic incidents is an unavoidable part of the job for firefighters, mental health support is vital.

“After a decade of cuts and to address this crisis, we need central government to provide the investment needed to rebuild the service.”

Nationwide impact

Across the UK, the biggest increase in staff mental health sickness absences was recorded at Cumbria Fire and Rescue which saw a 75 per cent rise between 2021 and 2024. It is followed by Surrey Fire and Rescue which saw an increase of 68 per cent and Royal Berkshire, where staff mental health absences rose by 67 per cent in the last three years.

The highest number of mental health staff absences was at London Fire Brigade, where a total of 1,129 have been logged in the last three years.

UK Fire & Rescue discuss impact of mental health crisis: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union have spoken out about increased amount of firefighters who are struggling with their mental health.

General Secretary for the FBU, Mark Wrack, highlighted why firefighters might be struggling. Noting attending traumatic incidents and decades of cuts to the service as being impacting factors.

Firefighters demand urgent action to rebuild UK fire service

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking News
Image Credit: Jess Hurd

Thousands rally in London to demand fire service reform

Around a thousand firefighters and fire control staff gathered in central London on 8th October to call for urgent reforms to the UK’s fire and rescue services.

As reported by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the rally highlighted key concerns including job losses, underfunding, and growing disparities in fire cover across the country.

The event featured speeches from Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the FBU, alongside international representatives from Greece and Italy.

The protest was a direct response to the effects of 14 years of Conservative government policies, which saw a 20% reduction in firefighter numbers and a 30% cut in central government funding.

As a result, response times are now at their worst recorded levels.

Fire Brigades Union calls for national standards

One of the central demands raised at the rally was the introduction of national standards for fire services.

The FBU argued that the current system, which varies from region to region, has created a “postcode lottery” for fire cover, meaning that response times, staffing levels, and equipment quality differ widely.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Decades of fragmentation have also created a postcode lottery on fire cover.

“If you call a fire engine now, it’s pot luck how many firefighters will be on board or how quickly it will arrive.”

The Labour Party has pledged to address these issues, with a commitment to reintroduce national standards for crewing, training, response times, and safety measures, according to the FBU.

Firefighters highlight impact of job cuts and underfunding

The rally brought attention to the impact of job cuts and funding reductions on the fire and rescue service.

Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs has been lost, and central government funding for the service has decreased by 30%.

These cuts have significantly affected the ability of fire services to respond to emergencies efficiently.

In his address to the rally, Wrack emphasised the need for investment: “The solutions to this crisis are neither complicated nor expensive.

“We need investment to rebuild our fire service, and national standards informed by a statutory advisory body with firefighters at the table.”

Calls for the repeal of anti-union laws

Another key demand from the FBU is the repeal of anti-union laws introduced during the Conservative government’s tenure.

The union is advocating for the full implementation of the New Deal for Working People, which would protect workers’ rights and overturn recent legislation that restricts union activities.

Following the rally, hundreds of firefighters marched to Westminster to lobby MPs, urging them to support the measures outlined by the FBU.

The union believes that these reforms are essential to safeguarding both public safety and the rights of fire service workers.

UK firefighters rally to demand government action on fire service crisis: summary

Firefighters from across the UK gathered in London on 8th October to demand urgent reforms to the fire and rescue services.

The rally, organised by the Fire Brigades Union, called attention to issues such as job losses, funding cuts, and the absence of national standards in the fire service.

Speakers, including FBU general secretary Matt Wrack, urged the government to address the postcode lottery in fire cover and invest in rebuilding the service.

The union also pushed for the repeal of recent anti-union laws and a full implementation of workers’ rights protections.

The rally concluded with firefighters lobbying MPs at Westminster.

UK firefighters vote in favour of strike action

by Featured News

Firefighters across the UK have delivered a decisive mandate for strike action, with 88% voting Yes on a 73% turnout.  Two separate simultaneous ballots, in Northern Ireland and among Control Room staff in the North West of England, also delivered strong results, with 94% of members In Northern Ireland voting in favour of action.  

In the hope of averting strike action, the Fire Brigades Union has given the government and employers ten days to come forward with an improved offer which could be put to a vote of members.  

If the strikes go ahead, they would would be the first nation-wide fire strike over pay since 2003. FBU members rejected a below-inflation 5% pay offer in November last year.  

Polling shows that public support for strike action by firefighters is strong – by around 2 to 1 with 58% of the public backing strike action, while only 33% oppose it. 

‘An absolute last resort’

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Firefighters across the UK have spoken. The Fire Brigades Union has a decisive mandate for strike action. 

“This is an overwhelming vote for strike action against an offer which would mean further significant cuts to real terms wages for firefighters and control room staff. They have already lost at least 12% of the value of their pay since 2010. 

“This is an absolute last resort for our members. The responsibility for any disruption to services lies squarely with fire service employers and government ministers. 

“Rishi Sunak’s government has refused to make funding available for a decent pay offer to firefighters and control staff. 

“Firefighters were among Britain’s Covid heroes who kept frontline services going during the pandemic. The Prime Minister has badly misjudged the public mood by imposing pay cuts on key workers.  

“Our members risk their health and safety, and sometimes their lives, round the clock to keep people safe and serve their communities. However, with inflation and energy bills rocketing, they are now increasingly struggling to pay the bills or to afford the basics. 

“The government and the employers have the power to stop strikes from happening by making a credible offer that can resolve this dispute. The ball is in their court.  

“We have delayed calling strikes to allow the employers to meet us and to make a new offer. I hope they take that opportunity. Otherwise, in the coming weeks, we intend to announce a series of strike dates and industrial action.” 

‘Developing ongoing contingency plans’

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Interim Deputy Chief Officer Stuart Stevens has assured the public that any emergency where there is a risk to life or a clear sign of fire will be responded to during any strike action.

Interim DCO Stevens said: “I wholly support a pay increase for our firefighters and absolutely recognise the right of firefighters to strike.

“The FBU represents many firefighters in Scotland and therefore any strike action will have an impact on our emergency response.

“As a fire and rescue service, we have a legal and moral duty to provide an emergency response to the communities of Scotland, including during periods of industrial action.

“I want to assure the public that we are developing contingency plans to enact during any strike and we will respond to any emergency where there is a risk to life or a clear sign of fire.”

Interim DCO Stevens added: “We know that the outcome of this ballot may cause concern or feelings of uncertainty.

“This is an unfolding situation which we are closely monitoring and will continue to engage with the FBU, National Joint Council, Scottish Government and other key stakeholders.

“We will know more about what this ballot means for us as a Service in the coming weeks and we will keep the public and businesses up to date.

“We also have a wealth of key safety advice on our website – firescotland.gov.uk – to help you stay safe at home, outdoors and in the workplace.”

Final call for firefighters to cast vote in FBU pay ballot

by Featured News

The UK’s Fire Brigades Union pay ballot is set to conclude on Monday 30 January. Results from the ballot are expected late that afternoon. If firefighters vote for strike action, the UK will see its first nation-wide fire strike on pay since 2003. 

The ballot is a result of firefighters having experienced a 12% drop in real terms earnings since 2010 at around £4,000 a year on average. In the same period, around one in five firefighter jobs have been cut.  

FBU members have already rejected a below-inflation 5% pay offer in November last year, and the union opened its formal strike ballot on 5  December. 

Because of anti-strike legislation, the ballot will only give a mandate for strike action if more than 50% of the FBU’s approximately 30,000 members vote in it.   Polling shows that public support for strike action by firefighters is strong – around 2 to 1. 58% of the public back action, while only 33% oppose it.  

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Firefighters have faced a sustained attack on pay for more than a decade, with average pay falling by about £4,000 in real terms.   

“Our members face hazardous situations every day, and sometimes risk their health to do the job. Facing double-digit inflation and rocketing energy bills, they are now being told to put up with an even bigger real terms pay cut. Meanwhile, the UK is home to record number of billionaires.  

“People join the fire service because they want to help people and serve their community. We have been pushed to the point of balloting by a government that is refusing to listen.

“On Monday, we will learn our members’ verdict on this derisory pay offer.”