Suffolk firefighters facing 'misery' due to faulty payments system
Many have had issues getting the correct wages
Last updated 4th Jul 2022
Many Suffolk firefighters say they're facing 'misery' as a faulty payments system has led to mistakes with their pay packets.
Issues started after the service moved to a new payment system in April 2021.
Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members have complained of multiple deductions being made for pension payments, deductions being taken from the wrong pension scheme and 'incomprehensible' three page long payslips.
In some cases holiday pay has also been calculated incorrectly.
The FBU claims the issue is endemic throughout the service, with at least 1.400 pay issues logged by around 400 staff.
In one case a fire officer was left £1,000 short for the month as multiple pension deductions had been taken from his payslip.
I another case a firefighter had a payslip rejected by his mortgage provider as it was too complex to read.
Phil Johnston, Fire Brigades Union Suffolk brigade chair, said:
“It is disgusting that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has not resolved this issue, especially given we are now in a cost of living crisis."
"Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service cannot claim to be looking after their people whilst this drags on.
"No decent employer would leave their employees this far out of pocket due to administrative errors, and potentially facing difficulties paying mortgages, buying food for their families, and more.
"It’s completely unacceptable and it needs to be resolved immediately.”
In response, Chris Bally, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, said:
“The way we process payroll and annual leave for all Suffolk County Council staff and firefighters was transferred to a new system in April 2021."
"There have been some technical issues with firefighter pay, but council staff have worked hard to rectify them all quickly – often before salary payments have even been made and in some cases making immediate payments where discrepancies have been identified.
“Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has worked closely with the county council to ensure any issues are dealt with quickly and properly. Indeed, work to remedy the situation is already underway - so we’re confident that all remaining issues raised by the FBU will be resolved in the next month.”