While the National Joint Council (NJC) continues to oppose reform of the national negotiating machinery, locally the FRSA has been working with fire services where we have collective bargaining rights, to create workable, modern pay models that better reward availability.

This has resulted in a new On-Call Duty System Pay Model being agreed in Dorset and Wiltshire, revised retaining fees in Hereford and Worcester and the formulation of a new On-Call Duty System Pay Model likely to be agreed soon in Devon and Somerset, all to the benefit of our On-Call members.

Such innovation cannot wait for the national council to get its house in order, our members deserve improved pay and conditions now and with other like-minded fire and rescue services, these improvements can be delivered at a local level.