Thousands of staff from UK Fire and Rescue Services will
continue to support the NHS, ambulance services, local
authorities and other vital organisations in the fight against
COVID-19, following extensive talks.
The negotiations - spanning a number of days - agreed
that fire services will remain at the heart of the response to
COVID-19 and continue to carry out agreed
activities.
The agreement was reached between the National Fire Chiefs
Council (NFCC), the National Employer and the Fire Brigades Union
(FBU).
This means COVID-related activities such as assisting care
homes, helping with testing, driving ambulances, face fitting
masks for the NHS/clinical staff and supporting the most
vulnerable through deliveries will continue to take place until
at least July 26th.
NFCC Chair Roy Wilsher, commented: “This agreement is
testament to fire service staff being ready, willing and able to
play their part in the response to COVID-19, using their wide
ranges of skills and expertise to help those who need it
most.
“The agreement was initially made in March, with a number
of new activities added as COVID-19 brought new demands. NFCC was
confident fire services could assist and just as importantly - if
not more so - would want to play a key role in supporting the
pandemic’s challenges.
“These negotiations have not always been easy, but I knew FRSs
would want to continue being at the heart of the response, doing
what they do best; supporting those who need help and
assistance.”
