Fire Service recruits reservists amid an ongoing pay dispute

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has started accepting applications for reserve fire crew officrs, in preparation for potential industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) regarding an ongoing national pay dispute.

Those who are successful will receive relevant training but be employed on a zero-hours contract, ready to work alongside non-striking DFRS personnel during any period of industrial action, attending emergency incidents across Derbyshire. 

DFRS first recruited reserve fire crew in 2013 when the FBU balloted its members regarding a dispute with the Government on pension reform. With a legal obligation under the Fire & Rescue Services Act 2004, and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to provide an emergency response, the Fire and Rescue Authority has once again approved a recommendation to recruit reserve fire crew to ensure the Service can continue to meet its legal obligation and ensure the ongoing safety of its communities.  

Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Trevor Ainsworth said: “Both Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Authority, and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service hope that a successful resolution to the pay dispute can be achieved without recourse to industrial action. However, our communities can be assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure their safety if the FBU get a mandate to strike.  

“The recruitment of reserve fire crew is a precautionary measure to ensure we can continue to provide an emergency response during any periods of industrial action. If that call comes, we will then further communicate with our communities, calling for their support and vigilance in preventing emergencies from occurring."

Speaking about the ongoing pay dispute, Councillor Ainsworth went onto say: “Members of the Fire and Rescue Authority, and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service recognise the need for an appropriate pay increase to reflect and support all of the Service’s employees who do an outstanding job making Derbyshire safer together.  

“We also recognise the impact of the rising cost of living; however, the ongoing pay negotiations are taking place at a national level and are not locally led.  

“Any nationally agreed pay increase above 2% would require additional funding from central government, without this it would put pressure on existing budgets and may impact on service delivery.” 

Applying for the role of reserve fire crew 
There are two reserve roles that people can apply for: 

For more information and to apply, please visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk