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The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has said that leadership issues at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, which were recently outlined in a report by the inspectorate, are impacting firefighters’ pay.
In the report, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) highlighted how senior leaders “aren’t providing effective strategic oversight of day-to-day operations” and raised concerns about “how it looks after it’s people.”
Now, the Fire Brigades Union says that these management failings are even impacting firefighter’s pay.
The FBU says that, since 2017, firefighters have reported repeated pay errors, including incorrect pension deductions; holiday pay miscalculations and late payment; and other payment issues related to promotions and sick leave.
In 2023, pension contribution errors left some employees with underpayments totalling four figures.
The FBU says that these issues have continued to impact promotions, sick pay, holiday pay and pension contributions throughout the last year. Some firefighters are now repaying multiple arrears caused by persistent mistakes.
Throughout the past eight years, fire services staff have held multiple votes of no confidence in the payment system and issued formal complaints, with the union calling for action in meetings with fire service leaders.
“Firefighters in Suffolk are rightfully outraged that their employer is still failing to pay them correctly.
“The inspectorate’s report into Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service shone a spotlight on failings of senior management last week. In a stark instance of these failings, leaders have ignored staff for eight years instead of fixing an administrative issue.
“It is appalling that firefighters continue to experience mistakes in their pay. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk County Council must take action immediately to ensure Suffolk’s hardworking firefighters are paid correctly and on time.”
Phil Johnston, Fire Brigades Union Suffolk brigade chair.
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