Wednesday 24th July 2013

With possible industrial action looming for the Fire Service Union, local Fire Crew bosses have initiated contingency plans which mean that they are looking to recruit reserve fire crews who would serve in the advent of strike action.

A statement issued by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service today says,

"The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is currently balloting its members regarding industrial action over their dispute with the Government on Pension Reform. This ballot is due to close on the 29th August 2013."



Whilst this is a national dispute between the FBU and central Government, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Authority understands their staff are in an extremely difficult position; however the Authority still has a legal obligation under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, to ensure it can continue to provide an emergency response throughout any local industrial action.

The Fire and Rescue Services Act states that a Fire and Rescue Authority must make provision for:

• the purpose of promoting fire safety in its area
• extinguishing fires in its area
• protecting life and property in the event of fires in its area
• rescuing people in the event of road traffic accidents

In so doing the Fire and Rescue Authority must:

• secure the provision of personnel, services and equipment necessary to meet all normal requirements

The Civil Contingencies Act requires the Fire and Rescue Authority as a Category 1 responder to:

• maintain plans for the purpose of ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, that if an emergency occurs the person or body is able to continue to perform his or its function.

In so doing to:

• prevent the emergency
• reduce, control or mitigate its effects
• take other action in connection with it
• consider whether an assessment carried out makes it necessary, to add to or modify plans maintained.

Unlike during previous industrial action, there is no longer any military support available and there are no longer 'green goddesses' to be called upon.

Following a meeting with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Fire Authority, it has been decided that to ensure the safety of our communities, the fire authority will recruit 'reserve' personnel for deployment in the event of industrial action.

Councillor Roland Hosker, Chair of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Authority (left) said: "Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Authority hopes a successful resolution is achieved without recourse to industrial action.

"Our communities can be assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure their safety."

This recruitment is purely a precautionary measure with successful recruits only being called upon should strike action occur.


Anyone interested in becoming reserve fire crew can call the dedicated phone line on 01332 777017.

Lines will be open from 08.00 hours - 19.00 hours on the following dates:

Thursday 25th July
Friday 26th July
Monday 29th July
Tuesday 30th July

Applicants MUST be available for training and assessment days as shown below.

TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service will commence recruitment on Thursday 25th July 2013, to enable those selected to be trained in basic fire fighting techniques ahead of any potential industrial action as detailed above.

They will be recruiting for:

DRIVER / PUMP OPERATOR
You must be Category C LGV qualified. Training in Emergency Fire Appliance Driving (EFAD) will be provided.

FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIVE
Previous experience of using Respiratory Protection Equipment would be an advantage.

PAY
£10.00 per hour during any period of training
£150.00 for each operational 12 hour shift worked

CONTRACT TYPE
You will be contracted to work only when required
There will be no guarantee of future work - this is called a Zero Hours Contract.

Considering the demanding nature of fire fighting work, preference will be given to applicants who have experience of working in a safety critical role and/or those who have worked in a disciplined environment.

You must be medically and physically fit and a fitness test will be an integral part of the selection process.

The selection and training timetable is outlined below:

PLEASE NOTE: You will need to be available for training between 9am to 6pm, including some weekend days. If you are interested in applying, you must be available on the dates outlined. If not, please do not apply.

You must be 18 or over and eligible to work in the UK. All recruitment is subject to successful medical screening, fitness assessments and substance misuse testing.

For further information on the roles and what is involved at each stage of the recruitment process, please visit the website at www.derbys-fire.gov.uk

To reserve a place on one of the assessment days please contact the recruitment team on 01332 777017.

Phone line opens on Thursday 25th July 2013 at 8am.

Please be advised that the application process will close as soon as DFRS have received sufficient applications and DFRS reserve the right to not progress any applicant

For more information regarding this recruitment process and FAQ's please visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk

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