Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 14/01/2008 15:36

The Executive Members of Cornwall County Council agreed that the Cornwall County Fire Brigade Retained Duty System Pilot Scheme, should be identified as a priority budget pressure for 2008 / 09 at the meeting today.

A Single Issue Panel previously highlighted the need to modify the existing systems of work and reward system for retained Firefighters. They identified that a pilot should be trialled of a proposed new duty system at three stations across the County.

“A retained working group made up of retained personnel and full time fire brigade officers has developed a proposal that will provide flexible working conditions, emergency cover provision and a work-life balance suitable for modern society” said Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden.

The Retained Forum and Brigade Management will decide which stations will be trialling the system. It is anticipated that those identified will include a retained fire station with one fire engine, a retained fire station with two fire engines and a day staffed full time fire station that has a retained response over night.

Councillor Andrew Mitchell (Lib Dem), who chaired the Single Issue Panel said: “Every Firefighter in Cornwall County Fire Brigade, whether wholetime or retained, is a professional who serves the authority and the people of Cornwall extremely well. I believe the greatest threat to property and life in Cornwall is any failure in our retained system and I am glad the Council is proposing putting money into this area”

Councillor Ken Yeo (Lib Dem), Executive Member for Public Protection added: “It was identified in 2004 that we need to improve the retained duty system. Retained Firefighters and Officers have worked together to develop a pilot scheme that could improve recruitment and retention of the retained service, so it is vital that it is considered a priority budget pressure”

Note to Editors:
Cornwall County Fire Brigade has 31 fire stations. 24 of these stations are entirely staffed by retained firefighters with retained back up to the remaining seven whole time fire stations.

For further information please contact: Davinia Grist on 01872 322785 / 07773 342905.