Fire Brigades Union:

Phil Hope MP has outlined changes the Government want to force through to Firefighters pensions.

Dean Mills, Executive Council Member said “The public will not take kindly to Firefighters being picked upon yet again by this Government. It is no co-incidence that since the Fire Brigades Union, who represent firefighters, has withdrawn its support and money from the Labour Party this Government has constantly attacked Firefighters.”

The arrangements proposed will see firefighters having to work an extra 5 years for the same pension and when injured at incidents they will not be able to retire but will be forced into administration jobs on a lower rate of pay.

Mr Mills stated “Phil Hope’s record in voting in Parliament is one of total support for this Government apart from when he voted against Doctors relieving the pain of those in the final stages of terminal illness, and when he voted against starting work earlier in the day in the House of Commons. Now the same pattern of selfishness is being repeated. He will accept no change to MP’s pensions which are paid after just 7 years but he wants to drive through changes to our pension scheme which we already pay 11% of our wages into.”

The proposals will mean firefighters who have already paid into the scheme for over 20 years will not now be allowed to retire when they had paid and planned for.

Money Firefighters pay into their pension fund has not been invested by governments. For many years there was a great surplus in the money coming into the scheme. However the Firefighters contributions were spent to support other services which were under funded.

Mr Mills was angry at the actions of Office of the Deputy Prime Minister officials. “Firefighters are shocked at this further attack on them and at the hypocrisy of a Government who resist changes to their very generous pension arrangements whilst attacking those working people.”

***Ends***

Dean Mills

07956 502585