by Thom Morris

Retained firefighters could be forced to quit their jobs under new legislation which will put lives at risk, a retained firefighter has warned.

Consultation with the retained firefighters began on Tuesday with Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) planning to issue revised contracts because of EU working hours and pension rights. It is likely to mean they will need to work longer hours.

One retained firefighter, who did not want to be identified, told the Kentish Express that lives could be put at risk.

He said: "This will cost people’s lives and there will be a huge increase in not just loss of life but loss of property as well.

"Imagine if you’re in New Romney and there is a fire. You will have to wait at least 30 minutes minimum for a crew to get there from Ashford or Folkestone. If they’re out on call it could be 45 minutes to an hour. It’s just crazy and I know everyone in the fire service agrees."

However, KFRS has said that there are no plans to shut fire stations and emergency cover will be retained and could be improved.

The EU Working Time Directive means that people are not allowed to work more than an agreed number of hours. The UK currently have an opt-out for certain groups, but this opt-out is being reviewed by the EU. If it is withdrawn then it would have an impact on retained staff whose time working for KFRS would be counted together with the hours worked in their full time employment.

The retained firefighter added: "There are no guarantees that those retained firefighters will be able to comply with the new hours when they become part-time and it’s possible the numbers will go from 750 at present to about 350 which is going to really affect those living in rural areas.

"There is also no guarantee that all the retained stations will be kept open because they are looking to place us with wholetime firefighters."

KFRS deputy chief executive Ann Millington told KentOnline's sister paper the Kentish Express that the plans would not change anything but would mean retained firefighters would have to be on new contracts and be referred to as part-time firefighters.

She said: "At this point KFRS has not made any decisions and we have no plans to make retained firefighters redundant. As we work through the impact of these changes we will be ensuring we have the right people in the right place at the right time, so we can continue to provide the best possible fire and rescue cover, including in rural areas.

"We will be discussing future plans with our staff and the unions and we want to again reassure local people that their safety, and the safety of our crews, is our top concern."

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