Changes by the government to Firefighters Pensions could mean that Retained Firefighters who are unable to continue operationally due to an injury sustained whilst on duty, face financial ruin – due to not receiving any compensation from the Fire Service.

The amendments which were initially made to take account of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2004, reduce the loss of experienced operational personnel and allow these employees to remain in the Fireman’s Pension Scheme (all of which we fully support), has had a disastrous unforeseen knock-on effect on firefighters working the Retained Duty System (RDS).

This issue has led to discussions with both the Local Government and Firefighters' Pensions Division and CLG that has resulted in a meeting on 17th October with the Minister responsible for Fire, Parmjit Dhanda MP, where we made representations on behalf of all RFU members. At the meeting we were encouraged by the interest and concern expressed by the Minister who agreed to explore the possibilities in finding a resolution to the problem.

Due to the unique nature of the Retained Duty System (whose personnel predominately have separate primary jobs) these changes mean that any injury sustained whilst on operational duty that impacts on the individual’s ability to continue in their main employment is not compensated for by the Fire Service. This could cause not only a loss in fire service earnings but also their main source of income.

The implications in terms of Recruitment and Retention are serious enough to have an adverse effect on a Service that is already 20% under establishment.

Every year the RFU represents members who suffer operational injuries serious enough to end their fire service career. In the past they would have received adequate compensation under the previous criteria. It is our view from past experience that unless this decision is reviewed, firefighters who serve to protect their local communities for as little as £2,650 pa, face dismissal from the service on the grounds of capability with no compensation.

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