Firefighters say shift change will harm families and safety in Gloucestershire
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Shift change proposal prompts protest in Gloucestershire
Firefighters held a rally outside Gloucestershire county council on 18 June to oppose proposed changes to their working hours.
According to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the demonstration was in response to plans to extend wholetime day shifts from 9am–6pm to 8am–7pm.
The FBU said the changes would have a damaging impact on firefighters’ wellbeing, family life, and ability to remain in the profession.
The Gloucestershire fire and rescue scrutiny committee has recommended that the proposals be dropped.
The committee cited concerns including childcare access, morale, gender equity, and physical and mental health implications.
Union outlines impact of shift changes on staff
The Fire Brigades Union has raised specific objections to the proposed changes, stating they could push some firefighters to leave the service entirely.
The union has described the plans as “unworkable” and has highlighted the effect on family responsibilities and quality of life.
FBU representatives also said the plans could have a disproportionate effect on women in the service, particularly around caring roles.
The committee report echoed these concerns, suggesting the shift patterns could negatively affect health and morale across the workforce.
The FBU said the union has consistently offered alternative measures to improve service delivery that do not involve shift changes.
Union criticises chief fire officer’s leadership
The Fire Brigades Union criticised the role of Gloucestershire’s chief fire officer, Mark Preece, in continuing with the proposal.
Kate Yhnell, FBU brigade chair for Gloucestershire, said: “Chief fire officer Mark Preece is taking a wrecking ball approach to leading Gloucestershire’s fire and rescue service. Firefighters and the county council have made it clear that his plan to change shift patterns are unworkable and damaging.
“It is deeply worrying that he is able to ignore all the evidence and continue to threaten to force through these attacks on firefighters’ working conditions.
“Forcing firefighters to work exhausting shifts will only damage the service they can provide. The Fire Brigades Union has repeatedly offered to work in collaboration to increase fire safety visits instead, but senior management has refused.
“Gloucestershire’s firefighters are committed to a high standard of service. We will not allow the chief to risk firefighter’s wellbeing and public safety with this vanity project.”
Committee recommends withdrawal of proposals
The fire and rescue scrutiny committee has advised that the shift change proposal be formally withdrawn.
According to the committee, the proposed shift extension would lead to logistical difficulties and reduce retention.
The committee also noted that there had been no substantial engagement with affected personnel prior to the proposal being tabled.
It said the plans could ultimately impact service delivery and operational capacity.
The committee encouraged further dialogue with the workforce to develop mutually acceptable alternatives.
Calls for improved collaboration and alternative solutions
The Fire Brigades Union has stated it remains open to constructive dialogue with senior management.
The union has proposed increasing the number of fire safety visits as a way to support service improvements without altering shifts.
It said these proposals had not been taken forward by management, despite repeated offers.
The union called on the council to uphold the committee’s recommendation and reject the current plan.
It also said a new approach was needed to ensure both workforce wellbeing and public protection were maintained.
Firefighters in Gloucestershire protest shift pattern changes: Summary
Firefighters protested outside Gloucestershire county council on 18 June 2025.
The protest was in opposition to proposed changes to wholetime shift patterns.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said the changes would extend day shifts by two hours.
The FBU warned this could impact family life, health, and retention.
Gloucestershire’s fire and rescue scrutiny committee recommended that the plans be abandoned.
The committee cited concerns including morale, gender equality, and childcare access.
FBU brigade chair Kate Yhnell said the proposals were unworkable.
Yhnell said the chief fire officer had ignored the evidence.
She said the changes would damage the service firefighters provide.
The FBU offered alternatives such as increasing fire safety visits.
The committee report supported further engagement with staff.
The union has called for the proposals to be dropped.