Planned proposals for Greater Manchester’s Fire Fighters to receive an additional pay rise to compensate for terror threats have been criticised.
Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services, has written to the London Fire Commissioner and the Chief Fire Officer of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service regarding a proposed pay increase to compensate firefighters for responding to marauding terrorist attacks.
Sir Thomas Winsor says that he considers the proposals to be unjustified and likely to be detrimental to public safety and/or the efficiency and effectiveness of fire and rescue services throughout England, including in London and Manchester.
“Firefighters, with appropriate training and provided with appropriate protective equipment, can within their established job description be required to respond to a major incident of terrorism.”
The letter states that it is the job of the police to confront and neutralise active terrorists.
In these cases, armed police will almost always face by far the greatest dangers, whether from firearms, explosives or other weapons. Firefighters are expected to evacuate casualties and deal with any fires which have been caused by the terrorism.
