North Wales Fire Service apologises after planned full time firefighter recruitment drive “paused”

The fire service in North Wales has apologised to would-be recruits after shelving plans to take on more full-time fighters.

Last week the service said an online registration window for full-time fighter roles would be opening on Monday 20 September and closing 48 hours later at noon on Wednesday.

At the time, Senior Operations Manager Paul Jenkinson said: “We want people to join our team. Remember that there’s no such thing as a typical firefighter – applications will be welcomed from all sectors of the community.”

However in an “important update” on Friday, the service said the window will not be opening up as planned, no specific reason was given.

A spokesperson said: “North Wales Fire and Rescue Service will NOT be opening up a recruitment window for full-time firefighters as planned next week on Monday 20 September.”

“The full-time firefighter recruitment process is being paused for now.”

“We know this will be disappointing for those looking forward to apply and apologise for any inconvenience.”

“However although our plans have changed, we will be undertaking full-time recruitment in the future so please maintain your interest and look out on our website and social media channels for when we resume the process. ”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

We will NOT be opening recruitment for full time firefighters as planned next week. The process is being paused for now. We know this will be disappointing and apologise for any inconvenience – keep following us as recruitment will be resuming in future. Thanks for understanding pic.twitter.com/WUKHV0h4do

— North Wales Fire #DiogeluCymru #KeepWalesSafe (@NorthWalesFire) September 17, 2021

Several people expressed disappointment in response to the news which was posted on the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Facebook page.

The fire service apologised and said,  “Please bear with us. We will be recruiting in the future so keep following us for updates.”

One regular commentator on North Wales Fire and Rescue Service staffing, @samtangogledd speculated: “Many previous applicants had been on a reserve list for WDS (full-time firefighter) opportunities with NWFRS & up to end of this month, obviously forgotten about – maybe that’s why the recruitment is ‘paused’ HR?”