THE Scottish TUC backed the Fire Brigades Union’s Cuts Kill campaign today.

FBU Scotland’s Adam Taylor warned that “for more than a decade firefighters across Scotland have seen cuts dressed up as reallocation of resources.

“We have seen firefighter numbers reduced, stations threatened. We have seen emergency fire cover stretched thinner. The warning from our union has been clear: continued reductions in funding to the Scottish fire and rescue service will put public safety at risk.”

The FBU’s Cuts Kill campaign points to a sharp reduction in firefighter numbers across Britain since 2010, leading to longer response times and risking lives. Its breakdown by fire service reveals Scotland has lost 1,356 firefighters since 2010, a reduction of nearly 18 per cent in numbers.

“When bosses and politicians talk about efficiency, what firefighters hear is this: smaller crews, fewer pumps, fewer firefighters and more risk,” Mr Taylor said.