Fire Brigades Union statement on London Fire Brigade Independent Culture Review

The Fire Brigades Union has released an initial statement in response to the London Fire Brigade Independent Culture Review.

Gareth Cook, Fire Brigades Union regional organiser for London, said:

“There are elements of this report which confirm concerns raised by the Fire Brigades Union over many years. There are also elements of the report which will cause considerable concern and alarm. We will need to study those areas carefully and respond more fully.

“The review highlights that morale and engagement in London Fire Brigade are low – 40% are frustrated in their job. Staff shortages, poor workforce planning, no leave availability, poor work-life balance and low recognition are cited. The review also finds there is a need for increased trauma specialism and mental health awareness. For us these findings of poor morale and a need for better mental health structures are highly linked.

“The review also acknowledges the pay restraints placed on our members through years of pay neglect.

“The review has found that staff fear the consequences of speaking out as they fear the repercussions. That is entirely unacceptable and must change.

“Our rules and policies require every FBU member to treat others with dignity and respect and to challenge offensive behaviour of any kind. The union is committed to equality. We campaign against all discrimination by gender, race or ethnicity, sexuality, age, disability and religion or belief. We have a long record of campaigning on such issues.

“However, we have raised concerns about many of the issues contained within this report historically and as a consequence we remain sceptical about the changes senior leaders will implement with regards to their own behaviours.

“The London region of the FBU is committed to working to address these serious concerns. We aim to improve the working conditions of our members and protect them from discrimination and unfair or illegal treatment by representing them in the workplace. We are committed to building strong relationships between firefighters and local communities in all their diversity.

“We have only very recently received this report and will continue to review it, as we look to build a full and detailed understanding of it.”

The Fire Brigades Union is the trade union for firefighters and firefighter control staff.

Contact: Ben Duncan-Duggal at ben.duncan-duggal@fbu.org.uk and 07825635224.