The RFU welcomes the news that an Ill-Health Review Group has been set up to look into the current arrangements regarding firefighter injury pensions.

The announcement that a review will take place is welcome news for Retained Firefighters who have been severely injured on duty and whose future financial security is currently under threat.

RFU General Secretary, John Barton said:

“We believe this announcement is the culmination of many months of hard work by the RFU on behalf of its members;

Many meetings have been held, RFU officials have been heavily involved in advising and lobbying Civil Servants, Ministers and the Secretary of State as well as Chief Fire Officers and Senior Local Politicians to ensure adequate provision of cover for Retained personnel who suffer injuries on duty.

Retained firefighters are unique, in that should they be injured on duty and fail to regain their fitness, they stand to lose both their fire and primary employment incomes which will have a devastating effect on them and their families”

The recent tragedy at Atherstone on Stour has highlighted the dangers that community based Retained Firefighters can face, restoring their access to proper and adequate protection is now a matter of National importance.

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