EXCLUSIVE: Number of firefighters leaving Norfolk's fire service reached 12 year high in 2022
Figures we obtained from Norfolk County Council show that 66 people resigned or left in 2022
Last updated 22nd Dec 2023
We can exclusively reveal that the number of Norfolk's firefighters leaving our service reached a 12 year high, last year.
Figures we obtained from Norfolk County Council shows that 66 people resigned or left in 2022.
While total staff headcount is at a five year low and staff turnover's over double that recorded in 2010.
"Sometimes that can take it's toll"
Kevin Game is secretary of the Fire Brigade Union in Norfolk.
He says things are very different now compared to when he joined over 20 years ago:
"A lot of the 'on-call' firefighters were the local postmen and women, they worked in the local butchers and were window cleaners, they worked in the little villages where they lived.
"Over the years we have had austerity, businesses go bust and the work then just isn't there for those firefighters any more.
"You take the summer of last year- July 19th was the busiest day that Norfolk Fire has ever faced, some of those 'on-call' firefighters left their workplace and didn't come back for two, three days. Sometimes that can take it's toll."
The numbers in full:
"That probably gives you a weeks tops to then spend with your family"
Mr Game told us why it's so difficult to recruit staff:
"If you wanted to join as an on-call fire-fighter now you'd have to go away and do a 2 week initial recruits course which you have got to take annual leave from your employment, to do.
"Within 9 or 12 months you are then expected to do a two week breathing apparatus course, that's another two weeks leave. That probably gives you a weeks tops to then spend with your family."
What's Norfolk Fire and Rescue said?
A spokesperson for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said:
“The nature of employment has changed over the past decade making a career in the Fire and Rescue Service appealing to people from all walks of life.
“We welcome applications to join the service from both experienced officers who have moved to Norfolk, and from those interested in serving their communities even without prior experience."