Working time directive could seriously harm retained duty system!
Working time directive could seriously harm retained duty system!
Councillor Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection has joined the debate on the 48-hour working time directive.
Cllr Hobbs is speaking out after a vote by European Parliament, to end Britain’s opt out of the 48-hour maximum working week. The change in working time directive could mean that thousands of hours worked by retained firefighters could be lost, leaving Warwickshire short of retained duty cover.
Cllr Hobbs said:
“Firefighters need to be able to opt out of the 48-hour working time directive if the present retained duty system is to remain in place. Retained firefighters are on call for up to 80 hours per week and usually have a day job as well. Some are on call while at work and some are on call after they finish work.
“If the new directive is approved, there will be no choice for retained firefighters, they will have to choose one job other the other, which will take away their right to give something back to the community they live in.”
Cllr Richard Hobbs is a member of the LGA Fire Service Management Committee. He will be meeting the Fire Service Minister, Sadiq khan on Thursday 2 April 2009.