GFRS demonstrate outside Number Six over 7.5% pay claim

Around 40 members of the Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated outside Number Six this morning, fighting for a pay increase.

GFRS made a call to industrial action earlier this week and pledged to demonstrate every Thursday until they get a response to their claim. 

Firefighters are asking for a 7.5% increase on their basic pay on the basis of night shifts. 

Firefighters want to make sure they are heard on this pay claim.

It was the first demo of many to come, unless they get a response to their claim from the Government

Despite the poor weather, there was no dampening of enthusiasm, as around 40 members of staff were greeted by sirens of solidarity.

Opposition members Craig Sacrello and Joelle Ladislous also paid GFRS staff a visit.

The Government has previously stated there is no justification for a pay increase, as there has been no change to the role.

Unite claims government pays day shift workers 12.5% for shift disturbance and those on rotating shifts including nights receive a 20% disturbance. GFRS is asking for the difference: 7.5%

There was no sign of the Government at today’s demonstration, but with every Thursday set to look and sound like this until firefighters receive a response, the GFRS hopes to keep the heat on.

Following the demonstration, the government published the GFRS wagebill for 2025, expressing disappointment at Unite’s decision to escalate industrial action.

Number six said it hoped this would illustrate what it called the generous and fair pay structures for fire fighters, repeating that their salaries are all inclusive and compensate for shift work and night duties.

Earnings ranged from  £40,000 to £119,000, with the average around £70,500

65 of the 81 employees (80% of the workforce) were paid over £60,000 last year.

The government points out that GFRS personnel receive a number of allowances and premiums in addition to their overtime arrangements even though, it says, many are personal to holder allowances associated to historical duties which are no longer being fulfilled

The government calls for immediate de-escalation of industrial action, saying it will not progress matters positively for either side.

Unite responded by claiming the Government statement is misleading and taken completely out of context.

It says the statistics published include the overtime earnings from a 56-hour working week, and do not reflect basic firefighter pay.

National Officer Stuart Davies accuses the government of attempting to undermine a legitimate claim for recognition of shift working, and calls on the government to engage in formal dispute resolution.