Skip to main content

Firefighters demand moratorium on cuts

FIREFIGHTERS are demanding an end to years of fire service cuts which have left them ill-prepared to deal with crises such as the coronavirus.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson as well as the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and the North of Ireland demanding a moratorium on cutbacks.

Fire services have been forging ahead with plans for more station closures, reductions in appliances and in firefighter numbers even as the coronavirus crisis continues, the union warns.

The letter criticises a “lack of preparedness amongst public services for the pandemic” and says plans to reduce vital fire cover during or after the crisis should be banned.

“The FBU has had to fight cuts to every brigade in the country over the last decade and last week, East Sussex fire authority began a consultation on sweeping fire cuts mid-pandemic," the letter says.

“Firefighters have taken on 14 new areas of work to support their communities through the pandemic, delivering important results for the health service and the public which may be needed in case of further waves or future outbreaks.”

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Brigades have been gutted by a decade of austerity, but firefighters have nonetheless taken extraordinary steps to help the fight against coronavirus. They cannot be thanked with further cuts.

“The Prime Minister and First Ministers have joined the public in applauding key workers each Thursday. It would be unthinkable for them to turn around and allow the slashing of fire services to continue.”

During the crisis firefighters have taken on extra roles helping front-line NHS and care staff, delivering equipment and medical supplies, taking test samples, moving dead bodies, driving ambulances and delivering food and medicines to vulnerable people. 

This week they begin visiting care homes to give training and advice on preventing and controlling the infection.

More than 11,000 people have died due to coronavirus in British care homes.

Mr Wrack said: “It should never have come to this. The government has disgracefully mishandled this pandemic, allowing the virus to spread into care homes unchecked — and thousands have paid with their lives.”

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today