Firefighters 'outraged' over pay errors - union

The Fire Brigades Union said issues with pay had affected promotions, sick pay, holiday pay and pension contributions throughout the last year

Firefighters in Suffolk are "rightfully outraged" over being paid incorrectly, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) says.

The FBU claims problems have been ongoing for eight years and include incorrect pension deductions, holiday pay miscalculations and late payments.

Phil Johnston, FBU Suffolk brigade chair, said it was "appalling that firefighters continue to experience mistakes in their pay".

A Suffolk County Council spokesperson said: "We remain committed to working with the Fire Brigades Union, especially when it comes to staff working conditions, morale and pay."

The FBU said that in 2023, pension contribution errors left some employees with underpayments totalling four figures.

It said: "These issues have continued to affect promotions, sick pay, holiday pay and pension contributions throughout the last year.

"Some firefighters are now repaying multiple arrears caused by persistent mistakes," the union added.

Brigade chair Mr Johnson said: "It is appalling that firefighters continue to experience mistakes in their pay. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk County Council must take action immediately to ensure Suffolk's hardworking firefighters are paid correctly and on time."

'Extra checks introduced'

A Suffolk County Council spokesperson said: "We have resolved a recent issue resulting in overpayments for some of our staff over the Christmas period. This issue was caused by a manual error made in our payroll system.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience caused, took immediate action to notify those affected in advance of them being paid and have introduced extra checks into our processes.

"We are also introducing new software that will help avoid this and other past payroll issues recurring, ensuring fair and accurate pay for all of our employees.

Suffolk's chief fire officer Jon Lacey said he was "owning" a recent critical report

A report into Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service last week revealed it had not "made the progress expected" after inspectors found serious concerns in several areas.

Jon Lacey, Suffolk's chief fire officer, said: "This is a challenging report for any chief fire officer to receive," adding, "I am owning it and we as a fire service are owning it."