LABOUR in government was taking long overdue steps to reform firefighter pay structures and address the specific health risks associated with the profession, fire minister Samantha Dixon told the FBU conference today.

Consultation with the FBU over reforms to avoid flat pay structures with little room for career progression, recognition of the growing range of responsibilities given rising non-fire incidents like floods due to climate change and tackling the disparity in pay and conditions across fire brigades was taking place through the ministerial advisory group set up in 2024, following years in which Conservative administrations had ignored firefighter concerns.

Debate the previous day had seen speakers welcome the discussions while warning they could not be open-ended or used as an excuse for below-inflation pay awards while they run.

FBU leader Steve Wright welcomed Labour’s openness to firefighter input into setting modernised national standards for the fire and rescue service and on improved building safety after “14 years of being locked out” by the Tories.