Coronavirus: Firefighters to continue delivering response ahead of second wave fears

Fire Brigades Union says threat from Covid-19 ‘remains serious’

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Firefighters will continue to perform extra duties as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic as the industry prepares for a second wave, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has said.

An initial agreement that saw the fire service taking on extra duties, include driving ambulances, delivering supplies and retrieving bodies, was reached with the union in March.

Further work has since been added to include assembling personal protective equipment and training care home staff in infection, prevention and control.

The agreement was due to expire last week but has been extended until 30 September, with the possibility for further renewal due to the “continued threat”.

Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the FBU, said the pandemic is not over for the emergency services, despite the government’s easing of lockdown restrictions.

He said: “As summer draws to a close in the coming weeks, preparations must be made for any potential second wave in the approach to winter.

“It’s vital that fire services do all that they can to prevent coronavirus outbreaks among personnel.”

The FBU said the extension was agreed on the condition that coronavirus response work is properly risk assessed.

The trade union had previously raised concerns about inconsistencies in the risk assessments being completed by services.

National risk assessments for 11 areas of work have now been agreed for fire and rescue services to implement locally.

Mr Wrack said: “To keep firefighters safe, we have agreed detailed risk assessments for each area of Covid-19 response work, which should help prevent mass-absences in fire and rescue services whilst also protecting the public.”

Additional reporting by Press Association