New shift patterns raise fears of firefighter departures

Firefighters in the county are concerned that a decision to alter their work schedules might result in personnel being compelled to leave the service. The Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is scheduled to modify its shift arrangements for wholetime community fire stations, transitioning from the current nine-hour day and 15-hour night shifts to 11-hour day and 13-hour night shifts. This change follows a vote by the county council held on Wednesday. Firefighters have articulated their worries, and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has urged the reversal of this decision, citing apprehensions regarding increased childcare expenses and potential impacts on mental well-being. Dave Norman, who serves as the council’s member responsible for fire services, stated that the cabinet was of the opinion that the decision had undergone comprehensive consultation. The council indicated that the implementation of these changes is anticipated to span six months, and a subsequent review of their effects will be conducted. This decision proceeded despite requests for a postponement, which arose after an “unprecedented” 79 emails were received from worried firefighters, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Kate Yhnell, the FBU brigade organiser for Gloucestershire, commented that parents might be compelled to leave the service if they cannot manage the higher childcare expenses required to accommodate the extended shifts. “Primary carers, who are more likely to be women, will be hit hardest,” Ms Yhnell said. She continued, “This is a further kick in the teeth since Gloucestershire has the lowest maternity pay in the UK despite having one of the highest percentages of women in the service.” She added, “Firefighters are already working under pressure without enough resources, responding to traumatic incidents. The last thing we need is the threat of increased isolation, stress and fatigue.” Cabinet member Norman informed the meeting that correspondence expressing opposition to the proposals had received “due regard.” He asserted, “I remain of the view that those risks are outweighed by the benefits the change of shift pattern will have on the level of service we can provide to local communities.” He also stated, “Every opportunity for comment from individuals and representative groups has been afforded.” He concluded by saying, “The proposed change in shift pattern will not be implemented immediately and staff will be given sufficient time to put arrangements in place for their caring responsibilities.”