FBU calls halt in job cuts at Avon Fire and Rescue a 'victory'
The Fire Brigades Union had warned that these cuts presented a danger to the public and firefighters
Last updated 19th Feb 2024
The Fire Brigades Union has called a halt of Avon Fire and Rescue's idea to cut 40 jobs as a victory today.
Members of the FBU were today protesting against the Avon fire authority's cuts, which are now looking like they won't go ahead.
This decision means it's a u-turn on the fire authority’s decision made this Autumn to cut 40 wholetime (full time) firefighter posts and reduce fire engine crews from 5 firefighters to 4 across the service.
The Fire Brigades Union had warned that these cuts presented a danger to the public and firefighters. Firefighters were joined by supporters at a rally of over 60 people outside the fire authority meeting today.
Fire authority members are expected to formalise the decision at their next meeting.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Avon fire authority has made the right decision to listen to the concerns of the frontline and halt plans to cut 40 firefighter posts. This follows months of campaigning by Fire Brigades Union members. Today’s rally showed the impact of firefighters and the public standing together against cuts.
“The Fire Brigades Union will continue to fight to ensure that our services receive the investment they urgently need.”
Fire Brigades Union South West regional treasurer Amanda Mills said: “Firefighters in Avon fought an impressive campaign against cuts to our service. Today’s fire authority decision shows that when we stand together, for public and firefighter safety, we can win.
“It’s clear that Avon Fire and Rescue Service needs urgent and sustainable investment. The Fire Brigades Union will continue to fight for the long-term future of our vital service.”
Back in October, Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton told us: "In May 2023, I initiated the formation of an efficiency project team, tasked with addressing cost savings required for us to preserve a balanced budget while delivering on our commitments as a fire and rescue service. Such funding pressures became known following the confirmation of the operational staff pay award and uncertain future funding settlements from central Government for 2024/25 onwards.
"To achieve a balanced budget, we must identify efficiency savings of nearly £2.5 million in the years ahead. The proposals today are founded upon significant research and data analysis and we continue to evaluate the various options available to us while ensuring our resources and planning are aligned with the level of risk we face. While we must make savings, our resource allocation and crewing levels are guided by a dedication to firefighter safety and the wellbeing of local residents.
"We will not be closing any of our existing fire stations nor will we reduce the number of fire engines and appliances within our Service. We are looking at how we can do things differently to ensure we meet efficiency savings required, reinvest in other areas and be more agile as a Service to make our Service stronger and our communities safer.
"In an ideal world, we would not have to make these difficult decisions, but unfortunately the harsh reality is that we must take the funding we have and find innovative ways to utilise the resources available to us.
"Let me be clear: we will not compromise firefighter safety or the safety of our communities in the pursuit of cost savings."