Shift changes could 'force firefighters out'

Parents and primary carers will be hit hardest by the changes, a union has said

County firefighters are worried that a decision to change their shift patterns could lead to staff being forced out of the service.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service shifts are set to change from nine-hour days and 15-hour nights, to 11-hour days and 13-hour nights for wholetime community fire stations, after a vote by the county council on Wednesday.

Firefighters have raised concerns and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called for the decision to be withdrawn amid concerns for childcare costs and mental health.

Dave Norman, the council's member for fire, said the cabinet believed the decision had been fully consulted on.

The changes are expected to take six months to implement and a review into their impact will be undertaken, the council said.

The decision was made despite calls for a delay after an "unprecedented" 79 emails from concerned firefighters, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Kate Yhnell, FBU brigade organiser for Gloucestershire, said parents face being forced out of the service if they are unable to afford the increased cost of childcare to cover longer shifts.

"Primary carers, who are more likely to be women, will be hit hardest," Ms Yhnell said.

"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.

"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."

'Risks outweigh benefits'

Cabinet member Norman told the meeting that letters opposing the plans had been given "due regard".

"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 said.

"Every opportunity for comment from individuals and representative groups has been afforded.

"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."