26 June 2008

A decision on whether to change the shift system worked at six of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s stations has been deferred for three months.

Firefighters at Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Bletchley, Broughton, Great Holm and High Wycombe currently work two nine-hour days, starting at 9am, followed by two 15-hour nights, starting at 6pm, and then have four days off before the cycle is repeated.

Proposals to shorten the nights and lengthen the days were put to today’s meeting of the Executive Committee, along with an option to keep things as they are.

A report by officers asked members to support the introduction of two 12-hour shifts, starting at 7.30am and 7.30pm.

The Fire Brigades Union proposed 10-hour day shifts, starting at 8.30am, and 14-hour night shifts, starting at 6.30pm.

The committee was also asked to consider an option for 11-hour days and 13-hour nights.

Members deferred the decision to the full meeting of Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority on 26 September to allow more time for the relative merits to be explored.

Chairman Councillor David Rowlands said: “I was very pleased with the outcome of today’s meeting and welcome the opportunity to move forwards towards a decision in September.”