Staffordshire firefighter cuts as scores leave
Recruitment of retained firefighters in Staffordshire will be cut to save money – despite scores leaving the service over the last year, it was revealed today.
The number of retained firefighters leaving Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service was greater than those recruited over the last year.
And bosses say ongoing recruitment campaigns and training new staff is putting a 'significant burden on resources'. They are now planning to cut or even freeze recruitment in future. The service currently has 497 retained firefighters –but 67 left last year while only 51 were recruited.
A report by Brian Moss, retained liaison officer, states: "Staffordshire has the same difficulties in recruitment and retention of retained duty system (RDS) personnel as the rest of the UK.
"In some areas there is very a limited pool of people who have the right qualities and attributes, meet the required fitness standard, can provide availability when we need it and can respond to the station within five minutes.
"This ultimately impacts on the availability of our appliances. For a variety of reasons including changes in personnel circumstances a lack of activity, limited opportunity for progression or access to wholetime positions, the service experiences a high turnover of RDS staff."
It comes after it was revealed the service needs to save £4 million in the next three years. The service is facing new government cuts but the safety of residents or firefighters will not be put at risk, chiefs insist.