Retained Firefighters Await Long-Overdue Pensions
Retired retained firefighters in the East Midlands are seeking answers regarding delayed pension payments, despite decades of dedicated service. These emergency responders, crucial in rural areas, often faced considerable personal sacrifices to serve their communities.
The Commitment of Retained Firefighters
Retained firefighters, unlike their full-time counterparts, are on-call responders who live near their local fire station. When emergencies strike – from serious crashes to chimney fires – they are often the first on the scene. Roger Dunton, a retired firefighter from Leicestershire, exemplifies the commitment of these individuals, having served his community for many years.
"We put out fires for decades, now we want our pension."
Dunton, 78, who also acted as a union rep, recalls "running away from kids and parties, running away from Christmas dinners and all sorts" to fulfill his duties. He advocates for the rightful pensions of his former colleagues, many of whom are no longer alive.
A Decades-Long Fight for Pension Rights
The fight for retained firefighters' pensions has been a long and arduous one. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) initiated employment tribunal claims on behalf of these firefighters in 2000, which were ultimately approved. Subsequent negotiations resulted in a settlement in 2015, allowing retained firefighters to claim pensions dating back to July 1, 2000.
Further legal challenges extended the claim period for those who served between April 2000 and April 2006, allowing them to claim a pension for their entire career, albeit with the requirement to pay outstanding pension contributions.
Delays and Complexities in Pension Administration
Despite these legal victories, many retired firefighters are still waiting for their pensions. Mark Rowe, the FBU’s national officer, acknowledges the "complex matter" of ensuring retained firefighters receive their due pension money. He attributes the delays to administrative challenges and funding cuts, which have impacted the processing of pension claims.
The West Yorkshire Pension Fund, responsible for administering pensions for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and other brigades, states that it is dealing with a "large number of cases relating to retained firefighters". They cite the complexity of calculations and the need for historical pay information as reasons for the delays, assuring that payments will be backdated with interest.
Individual Stories of Service and Sacrifice
Malcolm Moss, who served at Billesdon Fire Station for 35 years, highlights the significant financial impact of these pension delays. While entitled to a substantial pension increase due to the latest court ruling, he cannot access it until his lump sum is awarded.
Helen Phillips, the first female retained firefighter in Market Harborough, balanced her firefighting duties with a career in agriculture. Like her colleagues, she emphasizes the need for clear information and timely pension payments.
David Wilford, a former retained crew manager, fondly recalls the unique and challenging experiences of serving his community, stating, "It's not a job - it's something you love to do." He hopes the additional pension money will ease his retirement.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Response
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service acknowledged the issue, stating that the ruling has had a "national impact" and that they support their former firefighters' efforts to claim what they are entitled to. They added that the administrators are scheduled to send out a letter in October to those affected by the scheme.
