Madeleine Kirk: EU Rules Mustn't Affect UK Fire Services

11.30.00am GMT Tue 3rd Mar 2009

Changes to European working time laws could lead to dangerous shortages in fire cover across the UK, including here in York, the Liberal Democrats warned today.

The European Parliament recently passed rules that would scrap Britain's opt-out from the European Working Time Directive. This could mean that retained firefighters, who often have other jobs, would have to drastically cut the hours they are available to the fire service.

Many areas already have problems with recruiting retained firefighters, with over half of posts unfilled.

The rule changes would not affect most other EU countries where part-time firefighters work on a voluntary basis and are therefore not covered by the opt-out.

Commenting Madeleine Kirk, Prospective Liberal Democrat MP for York Outer, said:

"People mustn't be penalised for choosing to stick to working time hours, and certainly no one should ever feel forced to work dangerously long hours. It is important though that people who want to help in their communities are not prevented from doing so.

"The government recently announced it had obtained an opt out for Territorial Army reservists. This shows that an opt out for people providing vital services to their communities is possible.

"Retained firefighters are a crucial part of the UK's emergency services.

"The fact the rules wouldn't affect voluntary firefighters elsewhere in the EU is simply unfair.

"Liberal Democrats are campaigning hard to keep the opt-out for retained firefighters and ensuring the emergency services are able to provide a flexible and high-quality service across the UK."