Publications

There are too few firefighters to guarantee resilience after a decade of austerity, according to new figures obtained by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU). One-in-five firefighter jobs (20%) across the UK have been cut since 2010. This has had a huge impact on the resilience of the fire and rescue...

This issue’s main story is on Westminster’s failure to prepare for a pandemic, despite it being recognised as one of the most serious risks facing the UK for more than a decade. Other features include the union’s campaigning plans aimed at winning significant pay rises for FBU members, after yet...

This is a combined document of national risk assessments for eleven areas of COVID-19 response work agreed by the FBU, NFCC, and National Employers.

In January this year, the chief fire inspector in England, Sir Tom Winsor, launched a politically motivated attack on the existing collective arrangements governing firefighters' pay and conditions across the UK. Winsor used his fire State of Fire report to blame all the problems of the fire and...

This issue includes features on Grenfell and how a relentless drive for profit is destroying safety regulations, regardless of the human cost; how this year’s Firefighters Memorial Day was marked across the UK and how firefighters are stepping up to help their communities during the coronavirus...

Firefighters have responded magnificently to the COVID-19 pandemic, stepping up during this time of national emergency. But the positive work done by crews should not hide the lack of preparedness nor the need to prepare for further waves of this terrible virus. The fire and rescue service response...

A report on Westminster government preparedness in relation to the Coronavirus pandemic, with particular attention given to fire and rescue in the report.

This issue’s features are about the winter’s devastating floods and firefighters' rescue response, despite the lack of statutory duty in England and proper resources; the union’s defence of the right to collective bargaining for firefighters’ pay and conditions: and an interview with Nicholas Burton...

Firefighters are playing an important role in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, but need the resources, equipment and protection to do their job during this difficult time. The union wants politicians to intervene to ensure firefighters can carry out their duties safely. Operational wholetime (full...

A double feature on the devastating bushfires in Australia, written by Professor Raymond Markey, highlighting the link to climate change and its effect on firefighters, is this issue’s main story. Also included are features about the pay offer in Scotland; what the recent pensions victory means to...