Legal

Water rescue training is vital for firefighters, but comes with risks, particularly from waterborne illnesses and dry suit issues. Exposure to pathogens in rivers or lakes can cause serious diseases: LEPTOSPIROSIS: Found in water contaminated by animal urine, can lead to severe complications...

The FBU is seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court in relation to the costs control mechanism imposed on public sector pension schemes by the treasury. The FBU was successful in challenging the government’s public sector pension reforms introduced in 2015 as age discriminatory, leading to...

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack looks back at the history of the FBU’s recent campaigns on firefighters’ pensions. Thousands of FBU members will soon start to receive injury to feelings payments as part of the FBU’s 2019 legal victory over pensions. These payments (£3,750 for the majority) are a...

The FBU has launched a campaign for 52 weeks of full-pay maternity leave, and most firefighters already have improved parental leave and pay. But what is the statutory minimum for everyone in the UK? Jo Seery of Thompsons Solicitors, outlines what the law says Maternity leave: Pregnant employees are...

The Act became law on 20 July. Neil Todd, a partner in Thompsons Solicitors’ Trade Union Law Group, outlines its provisions New rules give the secretary of state for business powers to introduce regulations specifying minimum service levels (MSLs) in public services including fire and rescue. The...