Fire-fighters challenge what they call misleading narrative around night shift disturbance claim

Fire-fighters within the GFRS are challenging what they describe as a misleading narrative around their night shift disturbance claim.

In a statement issued independently of their union, Unite, the firefighters who have been protesting say the issue has been misrepresented, particularly suggestions they are adequately paid.

They point to a 56-hour working week and say their basic salary is lower than the UK average, despite additional operational demands.

The firefighters behind the statement say their claim relates to an existing government policy on shift disturbance, and is limited to a 7.5 percent allowance to reflect repeated night-time work, disruption and fatigue.  

The GFRS members say discussions with the Government have yet to resume following a breakdown in engagement.