Do I have to release staff to attend emergencies if it doesn’t suit the company on that day?
Employees are only available for duty when they book on-call as available. If they say they are available, they will be expected to respond to the call. This is why it is essential to agree when you have capacity to release staff before they log in as available. Your needs as the primary employer will always be a priority.
What will it cost me?
There are no direct costs to supporting an employee to be an on-call firefighter. However, there may be some indirect costs to your business; for example, if you have to fill in while your employee responds to an emergency call out or attends training – but we hope the benefits will outweigh the inconvenience.
What support is available should I have any questions?
Each on-call station has a management team who will be your point of contact and help support you through the early days of appointing your employee, as well as providing ongoing support and assistance as and when required.
What happens if my employee has been at an incident all night, will they still be in work the next day? If not, am I expected give them paid leave?
We would not expect this to be a frequent issue, but this is something you would need to clarify with your employee before you agree to release them for on-call duty.
How long will my employee be away when called out on duty?
Every incident is different, and attendance can vary from under an hour to much of the day. This is why it’s essential that employers fully understand what is required of an on-call firefighter, and that the firefighter only commits to cover that they are able to provide.
What sort of training and development will my staff undergo as part of their role as a firefighter?
All firefighters go through a rigorous training programme to develop skills in first aid, risk management, communication, team working, leadership, self-discipline, trauma care, health & safety, and much more. Employers then benefit when they bring this training and experience back to their workplace.
Will training take place in working hours?
Most training takes place on a training night and at weekends, however initial training may be a consolidated period of time during business hours. Any training that has to be completed during business hours is planned well in advance, to allow on-call firefighters to make suitable arrangements with their employers. Please note that some of the essential training required in the first two years of a firefighter achieving full competence does have to happen on weekdays – it will be for you and your employee to determine whether this is met by annual leave or another arrangement.
What if my employee gets injured while working as a firefighter?
All firefighters are trained to undertake the tasks they are being asked to carry out. In the event that something untoward does happen, support services are available to help firefighters get fit again, for example; local occupational health services and comprehensive physical and psychological rehabilitation arrangements with the Fire Fighters Charity. All firefighters undergo regular fitness and medical assessments to assure their continual health, safety and wellbeing.
Are there any implications for me or my business as a result of employing an on-call firefighter?
Like all employers, the fire and rescue service has to comply with current legislation such as the Employment Rights Act 1996, the Health & Safety at Work Act and the Working Time and Road Transport Regulations. Depending on the number of hours they are contracted to their primary employer, on-call firefighters may have to sign an opt-out agreement under the Working Time Regulations. If you are a haulage company or your employee drives a truck for work, both you and your employee should be aware of the implications of the EC Drivers’ Hours and Tachograph Rules for Goods Vehicles (Regulation 561/2006). Details of any legislation and its impact can be obtained from our HR department via [email protected]