Fire Minister's statement ahead of the FBU strike on 13 November 2013
Fire Minister Brandon Lewis on the Fire Brigade Union's industrial action beginning at 10am on 13 November 2013.
Fire Minister Brandon Lewis said:
The FBU’s fourth strike day contradicts its claims to want to resolve this dispute through negotiation and further damages the good reputation of firefighters with the public.
The offer on the table has significant advantages over the Scottish fitness principles that the FBU has already accepted. These proposals provide a firm basis for resolving this dispute. The FBU should call off the industrial action to continue discussions.
Firefighters will still get one of the most generous public pension schemes. Less than a quarter of firefighters will see any change in their retirement age in 2015 and more firefighters pensions are protected than in any other large public service workforce.
A firefighter who earns £29,000, and retires after a full career aged 60, will get a £19,000 a year pension, rising to £26,000 with the state pension. An equivalent private pension pot would be worth over half a million pounds and require firefighters to contribute twice as much.
See further information on the firefighter pension scheme reforms.
Last updated 12 November 2013 + show all updates
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Updated Fire Minister's statement.
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First published.