As you will be aware there has been a new offer from the National Employers of 7% (an increase from the previous 5%), which would be backdated to 01 July 2022, plus an early offer of 5% for the year 2023/24.

This is good news. It increases firefighters pay and averts damaging strike action, at least while the offer is being consulted upon with the FBUs membership.

We are however concerned that these increases are in many cases unfunded. A number of   fire and rescue authorities have indicated that they are already struggling to meet their existing commitments. Rest assured, we will be keeping a close eye on any proposals that seek to diminish fire cover or roll-back on modernisation commitments that have already been implemented.

We also must not forget that the starting point from which these pay negotiations commenced, was already low, particularly for On-Call staff, which demonstrates a failing on the NJC to maintain a healthy and competitive salary structure.

As part of this offer there is a proposal by the employers to commit to a number of ‘joint working groups’ which will: review the pay structure of the Retained Duty System; undertake a job evaluation of control room employees; review national pay structures and progressions and seek further work on developing the role of the firefighters.

While we welcome the fact that working groups are being set up to consider these issues, and would expect to be invited to contribute, we also recognise that these issues have been discussed over a long period of time with no progress being made whatsoever. That cannot be allowed to continue.

We will provide further updates to members as more information becomes available but, in the meantime, the FRSA will continue to make representations at all government levels for a pay deal that doesn’t lead to cuts to frontline services.