The Fire and Rescue Services Association (FRSA) welcomes the acceptance of the National Employers’ pay offer of a 3.8% increase on all National Joint Council (NJC) basic pay rates and Continual Professional Development payments with effect from 1 July 2026, following the conclusion of the national consultative ballot by the FBU. Members voted to accept the offer by a majority of 54% on a turnout of 68%.

The FRSA is pleased that a negotiated settlement has been reached, providing certainty for firefighters, control staff and Fire and Rescue Services across the United Kingdom. Importantly, this outcome removes the prospect of national industrial action and enables all parties to focus their efforts on the significant challenges and opportunities facing the fire and rescue sector.

While the pay award represents a positive step forward, it must not mark the end of the conversation on firefighter remuneration. The FRSA has consistently maintained that the current national pay structure no longer adequately reflects the breadth of skills, responsibilities, professionalism and specialist expertise required of the modern firefighter. The need for meaningful reform remains as pressing as ever.

The FRSA therefore calls on all stakeholders to work at pace through the NJC and associated structures to deliver comprehensive reform of the national pay framework. Any future system must provide fair and transparent pay arrangements, recognise professional competence and development, support career progression, and ensure consistency across UK Fire and Rescue Services. These reforms will be essential in attracting, retaining and rewarding the highly skilled workforce that the public depends upon every day.

The FRSA looks forward to engaging constructively with employers, representative bodies and government partners to help shape a modern pay structure that is fit for the future and properly values the contribution made by firefighters and control personnel throughout the UK.

You can listen back to our podcast where we discussed the recent pay offer and the need for reform of the national pay structure.

Tristan Ashby
Chief Executive Officer of the Fire and Rescue Services Association

ENDS