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08/05/2003
FBU claim modernisation package will cost thousands of jobs
Government plans to remove national standards for emergency calls response times is paving the way for the biggest cuts ever seen in a public service, the FBU has claimed today.
The draft guidelines for local employers will see the national minimum standards for fire service responses to 999 calls replaced by local Integrated Risk Management Plans – that is, standards assessed locally.
The FBU says that the government proposals are part of a programme of cuts to firefighters and emergency control staff. The union claims that around 10-20% of its strength – around 10,000 from a total of 55,000 staff – could be shelved.
FBU president Ruth Winters said that the proposals mark will see cuts "unsurpassed in a public service in recent memory".
She added: “These are real cuts not genuine reform and investment. Their cuts agenda is ill-thought out, untried, untested. They plan massive cuts in the fire service, not investing to improve it... It will mean fewer firefighters taking longer to attend emergencies."
Fire authorities have been asked to draw up draft Integrated Risk Management Plans by September 2003 with implementation scheduled for next year.
Also today, the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott warned the FBU that they must accept the 16% pay rise.
Mr Prescott was speaking as the Fire Services Bill - which gives him the power to impose a settlement on the union - goes before Parliament today.
(GMcG)
The draft guidelines for local employers will see the national minimum standards for fire service responses to 999 calls replaced by local Integrated Risk Management Plans – that is, standards assessed locally.
The FBU says that the government proposals are part of a programme of cuts to firefighters and emergency control staff. The union claims that around 10-20% of its strength – around 10,000 from a total of 55,000 staff – could be shelved.
FBU president Ruth Winters said that the proposals mark will see cuts "unsurpassed in a public service in recent memory".
She added: “These are real cuts not genuine reform and investment. Their cuts agenda is ill-thought out, untried, untested. They plan massive cuts in the fire service, not investing to improve it... It will mean fewer firefighters taking longer to attend emergencies."
Fire authorities have been asked to draw up draft Integrated Risk Management Plans by September 2003 with implementation scheduled for next year.
Also today, the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott warned the FBU that they must accept the 16% pay rise.
Mr Prescott was speaking as the Fire Services Bill - which gives him the power to impose a settlement on the union - goes before Parliament today.
(GMcG)
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08 May 2009
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
31 August 2006
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
20 July 2004
Two firefighters die tackling Bethnal Green blaze
Two firemen have died while tackling a blaze at a shop and flats in east London this morning. Around 30 firefighters were called to a blaze at a shop and three-storey flats on Willmot Street, off Bethnal Green Road, just after 4am. Two members of the public were rescued from the roof of the building by firefighters.
Two firefighters die tackling Bethnal Green blaze
Two firemen have died while tackling a blaze at a shop and flats in east London this morning. Around 30 firefighters were called to a blaze at a shop and three-storey flats on Willmot Street, off Bethnal Green Road, just after 4am. Two members of the public were rescued from the roof of the building by firefighters.
30 May 2008
Flash Floods Clean-Up In Somerset
A massive clear-up operation is underway after flash flooding hit large parts of Somerset. Torrential storms on Thursday lead to severe flooding which meant many families had to be evacuated. Motorists were warned to stay off the roads as many became out of bounds.
Flash Floods Clean-Up In Somerset
A massive clear-up operation is underway after flash flooding hit large parts of Somerset. Torrential storms on Thursday lead to severe flooding which meant many families had to be evacuated. Motorists were warned to stay off the roads as many became out of bounds.
30 April 2007
Major fire causes disruption in Manchester city centre
A major fire has destroyed a five-storey office building in Manchester, spreading to a second building. The fire broke out on Dale Street around 5:55am on Monday morning. It is understood that the initial fire has been brought under control, but the building is now in danger of collapsing.
Major fire causes disruption in Manchester city centre
A major fire has destroyed a five-storey office building in Manchester, spreading to a second building. The fire broke out on Dale Street around 5:55am on Monday morning. It is understood that the initial fire has been brought under control, but the building is now in danger of collapsing.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
