As firefighters gear up to strike over an ongoing pay dispute, it is revealed that some 113 wholetime and retained firefighters left Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in 2021-22.
Figures from the Home Office reveal that almost 10 firefighters a month have been leaving the service locally, with some 3,359 firefighters departing nationwide last year. On top of that, a further 41 support staff left the HIWFRS in 2021-22, alongside 1,240 others across the country.
Locally, recruitment of new firefighters has proven a challenge which has seen Bembridge Fire Station off the run since July 2020, but plans are in place to rectify this. A number of senior officers have retired in recent years, being replaced by mainland-based officers who conduct a tour of duty on the Island sleeping at Ryde Fire Station.
The Fire Brigades Union says that firefighters are unable to meet the costs of living and that pay issues must be addressed to stem the loss of firefighters.
As previously reported by Island Echo, firefighters are preparing to go on strike. This week they rejected a 5% pay offer and will now be balloted on whether to walk out.
Pay is only part of it, morale is low and staff not valued by Hampshire, everything Hampshire is involved with is on decline, when organisations get too big and forget about staff being most important asset. No good having latest call center, new fire trucks and latest equipment if no one to actually use. IOW council stop wasting money to Hampshire, Education,Health , children’s services etc as many island people are suffering greatly.
It’s shocking. These people put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
so, the woke fire service in some areas ditched fireman sam because it was too male and then the fire brigade spent over £17k painting fire engines in rainbow colours – what has this achieved – struggling to attract and retain staff.
oh well, guess the politics has failed miserably
Picking on people who go into burning buildings when the rest of us are getting out for political point scoring? 22 Firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty since 2000 and you have the temerity to make comments like that.
You are filth lower than snakeshit.
it is still fact though isn’t it -these are verifiable facts if you bother to look them up online – an inconvenient truth for you colin is it.
Verifiable, but irrelevant.
You aren’t fit to wipe the backsides of these people.
they are very relevant – as this sort of ridiculous focus on identity politics detracts from the core purpose- meaning those that aren’t part of the rainbow parade, are left feeling unappreciated and walk out in disgust, as they are being ignored in favour of minorities
when you annoy the majority, they desert the brand, organisation, service or group and it is left to wither away for adopting stupid woke policies, that seal its own demise.
You really are a thoroughly unpleasant and nasty little man.
Wow. Just wow. Genuinely brave people like firefighters just another target for your extremist political gobshytery.
You are a disgusting excuse for a human being. When have you ever put your life on the line for others?
perhaps if the fire service focused on the core purpose rather than window dressing with identity politics then they wouldn’t have half the problems they have – all brought on themselves.
no use you and smiffy ignoring the truth, as it doesn’t suit your narratives.
Yeah leave on fantastic pensions that the normal man in the street can only dream of
what pensions do they get Mel?
have you made some poor life decisions Mel?
my neighbour is a firefighter, she told me that morale is rock bottom on the IOW, & has gotten worse since the take over by Hampshire, she says that loads of experienced 20 year plus firefighters have left over the last few months, mainly due to pension reforms, poor pay & lack of recognition from senior managers.
Been this way in the private sector for many years. Apart from retirement at 50.
spin, they don’t retire at 50
Don’t worry, half a sausage seely will be along shortly
we were warned, what did we expect!
I can see they must be upset, after all when you can take your pension in full at 50 years old, that is a lot to lose….
police, local government, MP, banking, energy companies hope this helps
It would help if the point you are attempting to make was factually correct. Police can retire at 55 with reduced pension the same as local government workers and most banking sector workers.
Not to worry though, as they will all be on strike soon no doubt bleating for more money.
Afraid you’re wrong a firefighter can only retire at 50 if they have completed 30 year’s service & are still in their old pension scheme, since 2015 no one is, apart a few who were afforded pension protection due to age, most of which have or are due to retire, so it’s 60 years old for retirement with a full pot in a new revised scheme, otherwise it’s reduced, please do your homework!
Surely if you joined in 2015 you were well aware of the terms and conditions.
As you have commented “apart a few who were afforded pension protection due to age, most of which have or are due to retire” were / are allowed to retire at 50.
Unfortunately the terms and conditions don’t include a clause that states you must not strike as in the armed forces who will end up doing their job for them while they stand on the side of the road asking the public to honk their horns in support….
are they striking for pensions then? seems you’ve misread the article
Just 12 years before the private sector then.
that’s neither here nor there, choices are made in life
Overpaid by way too much now.
Most of their shouts are trivial microwave fires, toasters, and false alarm panels where they are told it is nothing but still come out anyway.
They earn their money at times when dealing with car accidents etc, but they choose the job, not forced into it.
The money is good, as is the pension. They are lucky to have such.
can we see the information source of your claims?
Quick! – Stop Press! – Car swamped in flood! – As reported on Island Echo!
As a result of alerting the Police and officers responding to the scene, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were also alerted and mobilised appliances from Newport and Ryde.
Good enough evidence for you……..
no, there’s no mention of microwaves, false alarms or toasters, hoisted by you’re own petard it seems!
can’t be that great, read the article, they’re leaving in droves
Fully qualified fireman £37000 per year plus very generous pension, flexible hours, interest free loans, child care allowan ce I see that quite a generous package when most of the shift is either training, looking after equipment .
you seem to know loads Rob, what childcare allowance do they get & where can I read your information on interest free loans, what a great job, can you put up some more details I’d love to know more & you’re clearly up on the terms & conditions. I think I might apply.
Not sure where you get this, maybe London. It’s not just wage it’s being valued, trusted and respected, something that is no longer , our council pay alot to Hampshire Council for crap services. Things local and small are best. Hampshire officers cheat taking money from our Council and little in return. Bring back White fire engines and local control before too late and a death results.