FBU announce firefighters will oppose “disastrous” policy at scrutiny meeting

by Featured NewsFire Brigades UnionProducts

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced that firefighters have address a meeting of the county council’s fire scrutiny panel Friday 7 March, calling on councillors to recommend that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue service drops plans to change shift patterns. 

The Fire Brigades Union has warned that changing day shifts from 8am to 7pm instead of 9am to 6pm for wholetime (full time) firefighters risks forcing many firefighters out of the service. 

In letters to councillors, over 70 firefighters from across Gloucestershire have raised concerns that the imposed changes to working hours will increase childcare and caring costs for firefighters already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.  

Ten frontline firefighters have been invited to address the meeting of the scrutiny panel and Gloucestershire fire and rescue service’s chief fire officer. The fire scrutiny panel comprises of county councillors, who have the power to recommend against this change. 

FBU officials say that the county council will be punishing women in the service instead of supporting them, while the change in working hours will have a detrimental impact on firefighter and public safety. 

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

Kate Yhnell, Fire Brigades Union Brigade Organiser for Gloucestershire said: “Gloucestershire firefighters are urging all members of the county council fire scrutiny committee to recommend against disastrous changes to working hours tomorrow.

“Forcing firefighters to work eleven hour shifts will only pile unnecessary pressure on the frontline.

“We are raising the alarm that exhausting the workforce and pushing many firefighters out of the service will create an avoidable staffing crisis, risking public safety.

“Gloucestershire fire and rescue service should be supporting women and those with caring responsibilities, not punishing them with this additional financial and mental burden. 

“To avoid potential industrial action, Gloucestershire county council must start listening to firefighters and reverse this decision.” 

Regional Secretary, Fire Brigades Union, Dave Roberts’ statement

“Gloucestershire county council fire scrutiny panel stated that the decision was properly consulted on, but firefighters feel they have not been given a genuine opportunity to voice their concerns.

“This policy is being imposed with little regard for its consequences, and it is unacceptable that Gloucestershire fire and rescue service are proceeding against the wishes of those on the frontline.” 

Firefighters called on councillors in Gloucestershire to drop shift change plans, announce FBU: Summary

Firefighters have recommended that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue service drops plans to change shift patterns.

Kate Yhnell, Fire Brigades Union Brigade Organiser for Gloucestershire said they were raising the alarm that exhausting the workforce and pushing many firefighters out of the service will create an avoidable staffing crisis.

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.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service institutional racism report published

by Breaking News

Independent review identifies racism within Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service

As reported by the Fire Brigades Union, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has published the results of an independent investigation into allegations of racism and bullying within the organisation, spanning from 1991 to 2018.

The review, which included interviews with 40 current and former staff members and the analysis of over 4,500 documents, concluded that the service demonstrated patterns of “institutional racism.” The report also highlighted incidents of racist harassment, discrimination, and bullying.

The review offered 14 recommendations for the service’s improvement and stressed that additional efforts are needed to address these issues.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Preece issued a formal apology on behalf of the service.

The findings underline the need for structural changes within the organisation.

Fire Brigades Union calls for action against discrimination

Ben Selby, assistant general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), emphasised the necessity for an inclusive work environment free of discrimination.

Selby stated: “Racism has no place in the fire service, or anywhere in our society.

“All firefighters must be able to go to work without fear of discrimination, harassment or abuse.”

Selby described the report as an exposure of “decades of appalling institutional racism” and highlighted instances where management allegedly overlooked complaints, failing to protect Black firefighters.

He further called for the service to “confront its history and take action to root out racism in all its forms,” noting that the report also revealed evidence of misogyny within the service.

FBU advocates for government oversight of professional standards

The FBU has intensified its campaign for government action following the report’s publication, calling for the establishment of a statutory advisory body to monitor professional standards across all fire and rescue services.

According to the FBU, such oversight is essential to hold services accountable for addressing racism, misogyny, and other forms of discrimination.

Through its “Equality Matters” campaign, the union advocates for systemic reforms to prevent future discrimination.

Selby noted that collaboration between senior management and the FBU would be essential to implement meaningful transformation within the service, ensuring a safer workplace for all employees.

Regional FBU member calls for immediate reforms

Val Hampshire, the FBU executive council member for the South West, highlighted the long-standing issues faced by Black firefighters in Gloucestershire.

She remarked: “For too long, Black firefighters have faced unacceptable and institutional discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

“This damning report highlights the extent of the issue, with fire service leaders burying their head in the sand over decades.”

Hampshire stated that the investigation is “a crucial first step” toward change, adding that a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, jointly established with the FBU, must now be rigorously applied within the service.

She reiterated the need for immediate action to address both racism and misogyny, reinforcing that the collaboration between the service and the FBU is key to achieving a lasting impact.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service institutional racism report published: Summary

The Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has released findings from an independent review that identified instances of institutional racism, discrimination, and bullying within the organisation from 1991 to 2018.

The report, which involved insights from 40 current and former staff members, made 14 recommendations for structural improvements and called for further action.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Preece issued an apology, while Ben Selby of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) urged the service to eliminate all forms of racism and harassment.

Additionally, the FBU has called for government oversight to ensure accountability within fire and rescue services across the country.

Val Hampshire, the FBU’s representative for the South West, pressed for the immediate implementation of a zero-tolerance policy and collaboration between the service and the FBU to address these long-standing issues.

HMICFRS calls for improvements in Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service

by Featured News

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s performance under scrutiny

As reported by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service requires further improvement to enhance its effectiveness in fire safety and to promote diversity and the right values within the workforce.

HMICFRS has recently assessed the service across 11 key areas, finding its performance ‘adequate’ in two, ‘requires improvement’ in six, and ‘inadequate’ in three areas.

The inspectorate has expressed concern over the slow pace of progress since the last evaluation in 2021.

Specific areas needing significant improvement include the service’s protocols for building inspections and actions to ensure the safety of staff and residents.

Moreover, HMICFRS emphasised the need for better promotion of values, positive workplace culture, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Challenges and expectations outlined by HMICFRS

His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, Roy Wilsher, commented on the service’s current state: “We have concerns about the performance of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks.

“Despite the service’s intent and considerable effort, we were disappointed to see that it hasn’t made the progress we expected since our last inspection in 2021.”

Wilsher further highlighted the departmental coordination issues within the service: “We are concerned the service’s departments don’t always work together very well, and we saw occasions when the service was more focused on trying to increase output instead of reducing the greatest risk to the public.”

He also recognised some areas of improvement, which he believes the service should take encouragement from.

“While the service has deteriorated in some areas since our last inspection, we recognise there have also been some improvements, which the service should take encouragement from.

“We will continue to work closely with the service and its leadership team to review the progress it’s making.”

IFSJ Comment

The HMICFRS report on Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service brings to light several critical areas needing urgent attention to enhance safety and efficiency.

It underscores the importance of cohesive teamwork and a focused approach towards minimising risks rather than boosting outputs.

As the service aims to implement the necessary changes, the guidance and continuous oversight from HMICFRS will be crucial in steering the improvements.