The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) has launched a campaign demanding 52 weeks of full pay for firefighters on maternity leave in Scotland.
On International Women’s Day today, FBU Scotland is calling for all women firefighters in Scotland to share their experiences of maternity leave and views on maternity provision in a new survey.
Through the “Fight for 52” campaign, firefighters across the UK are campaigning for 52 weeks of full pay for firefighters on maternity leave. Multiple fire services in England, including Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, now provide 52 weeks.
The Scottish fire and rescue service currently pays less than half the amount of maternity pay than several other services in the UK.
Research has found that being forced back to work too soon by low maternity pay puts firefighters’ and their babies at risk due to exposure to toxic contaminants brought back from incidents to the fire station and beyond.
Seona Hart, FBU Scotland regional treasurer said:
Women firefighters in Scotland protect the public every day and deserve proper maternity provision. The Scottish fire and rescue service must catch up with other services across the UK and provide the 52 weeks of pay needed.
We know that mothers and babies face serious health risks as a result of exposure to fire contaminants in fire service workplaces. Recruiting and supporting women should be treated as a priority, and this starts with ending the post-code lottery of maternity pay.
We are calling on all women firefighters in Scotland to take part in our latest survey and share their experiences. The Scottish government and fire service can and must do better.”
