After being highlighted by local FBU members that some GP’s were now charging fire fighters for Hep B vaccinations the FBU campaigned management for reimbursement of any charges incurred by personnel. We can now report that at last months Fire Authority they approved that employees identified as at risk will be offered the opportunity via Occupational Health using an identified ‘outsource provider’ to obtain the required vaccinations. The cost of the vaccinations will be funded by the service.

Following HFRS’s decision not to pay the Nationally agreed figure of £638 for CPD Pay. Brigade officials have now put this matter in the hands of National Joint Secretaries for resolution. Management have stated they work their figures out to be £575.82, a £62.18 shortfall and if they were to pay at the upper rate it would cost an extra £35,000 that they do not have. This is at a time when management have just been given approval to spend £40,000 on the ‘Valued Centred leadership’ Courses otherwise known as the ‘Wow factor’ Course. One of the core values of this course is to try to create a working environment that is enjoyable – Well the message we are getting from our members is pay the CPD in full and we’ll enjoy coming to work a bit more!

You will be aware from previous Head Office Circulars that the final ratification and implementation of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Scheme agreement is subject to confirmation that CPD Payments will be pensionable in accordance with the Fire Service Pay & Conditions Agreement 2003 and the Employers’ proposals put forward in 2006.

The question of pensionability has to be ratified by CLG, (Communities and Local Government - formerly the Department of Communities and Local Government). The matter has been discussed at CLG’s Firefighters Pension Committee and I regret to have to report that we were informed yesterday at the Firefighters’ Pension Committee that CLG now wish to seek legal advice on the issue of CPD pensionability which, we are told, will probably mean that the issue will not be placed before Government Ministers until after the Easter break.

The FBU will continue to press for an early resolution of this matter at the highest levels. The matter will also be raised in Parliament. The issue will also be discussed at a meeting of the Executive Council on Wednesday 28 March 2007.

Members will be informed accordingly.