Fire Brigades Union tell Welsh Government to use ‘proper channels not press release’ over new ‘vision’

The Fire Brigades Union have said a new Welsh Government ‘vision’ that would see firefighters across Wales possibly given a wider role in keeping people safe had not been consulted on prior to the announcement.

Fire Brigades Union have issued the following response via a press release to the Welsh Government’s ‘vision’ for the fire and rescue service, where Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said: “There is clear potential for the service to make a real contribution to supporting the NHS in particular, whether in terms of responding to medical emergencies or helping to prevent accidents like falls at home; and clear evidence that this can secure better outcomes and significant savings.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The minister’s ‘vision’ has been announced without any consultation with firefighters or their union. If the Welsh government have a proposition for firefighters, they should do it via the proper channels, not via press release.

“We are always open to discussing the role of firefighters, subject to negotiation, funding, training and resourcing. But the Welsh government should bear in mind that firefighters are not doctors, nurses, paramedics, or social workers and nor should they be.

“While the last decade has seen huge improvements in fire prevention, fire services in Wales are also working with 300 fewer firefighters than in 2010. Welsh firefighters are rescuing more than 200 people every month. Any suggestion that they are ‘under-occupied’ is ludicrous.”