Thank you for contacting me about firefighters’ pay.
Let me begin by paying tribute to the remarkable work of firefighters in response to the record-setting temperatures this summer. The heatwave served as an exacting test of our national resilience and contingency planning, and fire services across the country rose to the challenge.
I understand people’s anxiety over rising prices and inflation. I want to assure you that the Government will continue to listen and ensure that the policies in place do help those who need it most.
Having spoken with my Ministerial colleagues, I understand that firefighters’ pay in England is the responsibility of the National Joint Council.
The Home Office does though fund the National Fire Chiefs’ Council’s People Programme which supports the recruitment and retention of firefighters. It is also the case that Fire Reform White Paper, which was previously open to consultation with the Government now analysing the responses received, outlines plans to commission an independent review into the current pay negotiation process and consider if it is fit for a modern emergency service.
Further information can be found at the following address:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/reforming-our-fire-and-resc…
Please be assured I will be following developments on this matter closely.
I would like to thank all those involved in the Fire and Rescue Service on the Island.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.