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London Fire Brigade warns of 800 job losses for savings target | London Fire Brigade warns of 800 job losses for savings target |
(about 11 hours later) | |
London Fire Brigade (LFB) is considering cutting hundreds of firefighter posts as it seeks to save more than £65 million from its budget. | London Fire Brigade (LFB) is considering cutting hundreds of firefighter posts as it seeks to save more than £65 million from its budget. |
It has produced various plans, one of which would see a quarter of the capital's fire stations closing and 800 firefighters losing their jobs. | It has produced various plans, one of which would see a quarter of the capital's fire stations closing and 800 firefighters losing their jobs. |
The Fire Brigades Union said if it was felt cutbacks were jeopardising safety, union members would be mobilised. | The Fire Brigades Union said if it was felt cutbacks were jeopardising safety, union members would be mobilised. |
LFB said no decisions have been made yet. | LFB said no decisions have been made yet. |
In an internal staff newsletter, LFB has produced examples of how it might make the savings required by the Mayor of London over the next two years. | In an internal staff newsletter, LFB has produced examples of how it might make the savings required by the Mayor of London over the next two years. |
One scenario outlines 840 posts, 30 fire stations and 30 fire engines being cut, to save £45 million. | One scenario outlines 840 posts, 30 fire stations and 30 fire engines being cut, to save £45 million. |
'Public safety impact' | 'Public safety impact' |
In the September newsletter, Shout, it says "Given the amount we need to save, it would not be possible to achieve all of these savings from 'back office' functions". | In the September newsletter, Shout, it says "Given the amount we need to save, it would not be possible to achieve all of these savings from 'back office' functions". |
It says the highest proportion of the budget is spent on operational staff and decisions will need to be made considering "the backdrop of falling numbers of fires". | It says the highest proportion of the budget is spent on operational staff and decisions will need to be made considering "the backdrop of falling numbers of fires". |
LFB said the scenarios have been produced with a computer model using attendance data. | LFB said the scenarios have been produced with a computer model using attendance data. |
Paul Embery of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "We'll await the brigade's proposals bit it's difficult to see how they can achieve the level of cuts they're looking at - £65m over two years - without impacting seriously on public safety and without there being a diminution in fire cover throughout London." | Paul Embery of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "We'll await the brigade's proposals bit it's difficult to see how they can achieve the level of cuts they're looking at - £65m over two years - without impacting seriously on public safety and without there being a diminution in fire cover throughout London." |
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Like virtually every other public service, the brigade is facing the need to make savings. | A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Like virtually every other public service, the brigade is facing the need to make savings. |
"The mayor has given a target for these savings, and we are currently considering our response to this. | "The mayor has given a target for these savings, and we are currently considering our response to this. |
"All options are being considered but no decisions have yet been made." | "All options are being considered but no decisions have yet been made." |
The Mayor of London's office said Boris Johnson would wait for firm proposals to be presented to him before commenting. | The Mayor of London's office said Boris Johnson would wait for firm proposals to be presented to him before commenting. |
Do you work for London Fire Brigade? Are you affected by the issues in this story? Send your comments using the form below. |