Firefighters fitness tests thrashed out

Fitness targets for firefighters in Staffordshire are to be thrashed out over the coming months – as councillors called for assurances the moves would not leave them feeling "pressurised".

The initiative has been welcomed by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority, although they insist they are "not looking for gladiators".

All 900 firefighters in the county will be forced to take regular fitness tests under the plans expected to be introduced next year.

It comes amid fears the authority is at risk of breaching its duty of care to staff by failing to check they are "fit to undertake the duties of their role".

Testing is expected to start in January 2013 and firefighters who fail could be subject to disciplinary action. A fitness advisor and exercise equipment will be drafted in as part of the proposals.

Judith Doran, the authority's director of people, told a human resources policy meeting that a working group has been set up to research the standard of fitness expected of firefighters and what form the assessments would take.

County councillor Geoffrey Morrison called for assurances that firefighters, especially older officers, would not feel pressurised by the move.

"I was in the RAF when we had to undergo fitness tests and it was terrifying for those in their 40s. We felt very exposed and very vulnerable," he said.

Councillor Phil Jones added. "We've got to get the levels right. We're not looking for gladiators but at the end of the day a firefighter could be dependent on his colleagues for his own safety."

Miss Doran said: "There will be a long lead in so staff have plenty of time to prepare. We want to do this gradually."