Firefighter numbers fall by almost a quarter


The fire and rescue service is in crisis, according to the FBU fire brigades union, as new official figures show that the number of firefighters has fallen by almost a quarter over the last 10 years.


The Home Office report, Fire and rescue workforce and pensions statistics, shows that there were 33,049 firefighters in 2017 compared with 42,385 in 2007 – a 22% decrease. 


The union is warning that the drop in firefighter numbers is a “huge threat” to public safety. 


“Seven years of budget cuts have left the public at greater risk,” said FBU general secretary Matt Wrack. “We’ve seen thousands of frontline firefighter posts axed and dozens of fire stations closed with the result that it’s taking a lot longer for fire crews to arrive at emergencies. In a fire, every second counts – it can make the difference between life and death.” 


www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/654807/fire-rescue-workforce-pensions-1617-hosb1817.pdf

https://www.fbu.org.uk/news/2017/10/26/quarter-firefighters-axed-union-warns-staffing-crisis