The RFU is disappointed to learn that the EU has voted to remove the UK’s Opt-Out by 421 votes to 273. Whilst the RFU seems to be isolated among other fire service unions on this issue, the fact remains that a decision to limit the hours of those who provide the majority of fire and rescue response in the UK together with officers on the flexible duty system WILL have grave implications. We call upon the UK government to fight this decision in the interests of public safety in protecting the needs of those served by retained firefighters.

Removal of the UK Opt-Out could see the RDS depleted across the UK with the alternatives being either no local fire cover (increased response times from locations further afield) or increases in Wholetime establishments at huge cost to the tax payer at a time when there is great pressure on personal finances.

Today’s vote essentially means that the European MEP’s and the European Council have disagreed on the future of the opt out and, a conciliation body will now have to try and resolve the dispute. We will do everything we can to influence those with the power to protect the right of individual choice on this matter.

Statement Ends