Pay deal includes removal of trainee rate and talks on progression

The Fire Brigades Union has recommended that its members accept a new pay deal following an offer from national fire service employers.

According to the Union, the proposed agreement includes a 3.2% increase on all basic pay rates and Continual Professional Development payments, with further talks planned on pay progression and other additional duties.

The offer would also end the use of the ‘trainee’ rate of pay, allowing all new recruits to begin on the higher ‘development’ rate.

If the proposal is accepted, the pay increase would take effect from 1 July across the United Kingdom.

Union leadership recommends acceptance of offer

The Fire Brigades Union explained that its executive council is recommending members accept the deal during a forthcoming ballot.

Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said:

“The FBU executive council has today recommended that members vote to accept a pay offer from the fire service employers.”

“3.2% will insulate firefighters and fire control staff from inflation for a year. This offer will also open up the possibility of restructuring fire service pay to recognise additional skills and duties.”

Steve Wright added:

“But we need to be clear that inflation-level pay rises will not be enough in the long run. Since 2010, firefighters have lost around 12% of the value of their pay. Workers rightly expect Labour to repair the damage of austerity.”

Broader calls for government investment

In his statement, Steve Wright emphasised the importance of future investment and reform.

He said:

“Firefighters and fire control staff work round the clock, often risking their own health and safety, to keep the public safe. The new government has an opportunity to rebuild the fire service with investment and pay reform. We will push them to deliver.”

He concluded:

“This year’s pay offer is now in the hands of FBU members. The executive council recommends that they accept it.”

Pay negotiated through national joint process

The Fire Brigades Union highlighted that pay in the fire service is negotiated directly between the union and fire service employers through the National Joint Council.

Unlike other sectors, this process allows for direct discussions on salaries, benefits and conditions between employer representatives and union officials.

The Fire Brigades Union confirmed that voting will take place ahead of the union’s annual conference, with results expected before the end of May.

Firefighters vote on proposed 3.2% pay deal across the UK: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has reported that it is recommending a pay offer to its members.

The offer includes a 3.2% increase in all basic pay and Continual Professional Development payments.

The proposed deal also removes the trainee rate of pay.

All new recruits would start on the higher development rate if the offer is accepted.

Negotiations will begin on progression and pay for additional duties.

The pay offer would take effect from 1 July 2025.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright stated that the deal protects pay against inflation.

Wright said future reforms and investment are still needed to address long-term pay concerns.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union will vote on the offer in the coming weeks.

Results are expected before the union’s annual conference at the end of May.

Pay in the fire service is negotiated directly between the union and employers through the National Joint Council.