Firefighters report eight years of pay issues
Firefighters in Suffolk have reportedly faced repeated payroll errors for the past eight years, with issues affecting salaries, pension contributions, holiday pay, and promotions.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has criticised Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Suffolk County Council, stating that firefighters continue to suffer financial difficulties due to miscalculations and administrative failures.
A report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), published last week, found that senior leaders at SFRS “aren’t providing effective strategic oversight of day-to-day operations” and raised concerns about “how it looks after its people.”
Fire Brigades Union calls for action
The FBU has stated that these management issues have resulted in incorrect salary payments since 2017, including errors in pension deductions, holiday pay miscalculations, and late payments.
In 2023, some firefighters were left with pension contribution shortfalls reaching four figures.
The union reports that these problems have continued into the past year, with ongoing errors in sick pay, promotions, and pension contributions.
Some firefighters are now repaying multiple arrears caused by payroll mistakes.
Firefighters express frustration over unresolved issues
Fire service staff have raised concerns about payroll inaccuracies through multiple votes of no confidence and formal complaints over the past eight years.
The FBU has engaged in discussions with fire service leadership, pressing for a resolution to the ongoing issues, but reports that the problems remain unaddressed.
FBU criticises fire service leadership
Phil Johnston, Fire Brigades Union Suffolk brigade chair, said: “Firefighters in Suffolk are rightfully outraged that their employer is still failing to pay them correctly.
“The inspectorate’s report into Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service shone a spotlight on failings of senior management last week.
“In a stark instance of these failings, leaders have ignored staff for eight years instead of fixing an administrative issue.
“It is appalling that firefighters continue to experience mistakes in their pay.
“Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk County Council must take action immediately to ensure Suffolk’s hardworking firefighters are paid correctly and on time.”
Firefighters in Suffolk face ongoing pay errors, says FBU: Summary
Firefighters in Suffolk have experienced payroll issues for the past eight years, with errors affecting pension contributions, holiday pay, and promotions.
The Fire Brigades Union has called for action, criticising Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk County Council for failing to resolve the ongoing administrative mistakes.
A report by HMICFRS last week highlighted concerns about senior leadership at SFRS, stating that they are not providing effective oversight.
The FBU reports that firefighters continue to deal with pay errors, with some repaying arrears caused by administrative failures.
Firefighters have raised concerns through votes of no confidence and formal complaints.
The FBU has urged SFRS and Suffolk County Council to act immediately to ensure firefighters receive accurate and timely payments.
Eight years of pay errors for Suffolk firefighters, FBU reports
Iain Hoey
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Firefighters report eight years of pay issues
Firefighters in Suffolk have reportedly faced repeated payroll errors for the past eight years, with issues affecting salaries, pension contributions, holiday pay, and promotions.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has criticised Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Suffolk County Council, stating that firefighters continue to suffer financial difficulties due to miscalculations and administrative failures.
A report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), published last week, found that senior leaders at SFRS “aren’t providing effective strategic oversight of day-to-day operations” and raised concerns about “how it looks after its people.”
Fire Brigades Union calls for action
The FBU has stated that these management issues have resulted in incorrect salary payments since 2017, including errors in pension deductions, holiday pay miscalculations, and late payments.
In 2023, some firefighters were left with pension contribution shortfalls reaching four figures.
The union reports that these problems have continued into the past year, with ongoing errors in sick pay, promotions, and pension contributions.
Some firefighters are now repaying multiple arrears caused by payroll mistakes.
Firefighters express frustration over unresolved issues
Fire service staff have raised concerns about payroll inaccuracies through multiple votes of no confidence and formal complaints over the past eight years.
The FBU has engaged in discussions with fire service leadership, pressing for a resolution to the ongoing issues, but reports that the problems remain unaddressed.
FBU criticises fire service leadership
Phil Johnston, Fire Brigades Union Suffolk brigade chair, said: “Firefighters in Suffolk are rightfully outraged that their employer is still failing to pay them correctly.
“The inspectorate’s report into Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service shone a spotlight on failings of senior management last week.
“In a stark instance of these failings, leaders have ignored staff for eight years instead of fixing an administrative issue.
“It is appalling that firefighters continue to experience mistakes in their pay.
“Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk County Council must take action immediately to ensure Suffolk’s hardworking firefighters are paid correctly and on time.”
Firefighters in Suffolk face ongoing pay errors, says FBU: Summary
Firefighters in Suffolk have experienced payroll issues for the past eight years, with errors affecting pension contributions, holiday pay, and promotions.
The Fire Brigades Union has called for action, criticising Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk County Council for failing to resolve the ongoing administrative mistakes.
A report by HMICFRS last week highlighted concerns about senior leadership at SFRS, stating that they are not providing effective oversight.
The FBU reports that firefighters continue to deal with pay errors, with some repaying arrears caused by administrative failures.
Firefighters have raised concerns through votes of no confidence and formal complaints.
The FBU has urged SFRS and Suffolk County Council to act immediately to ensure firefighters receive accurate and timely payments.
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