Written question asked by Baroness Hoey (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 December 2004. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Monday, 6 December 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what changes have occurred to the entry level fitness tests for the fire service since 2000.

Answer: Kate Hoey: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what changes have occurred to the entry level fitness tests for the fire service since 2000. [201856] Phil Hope: The 1978 regulations which included entry level fitness tests were replaced on 25 March 2004 by the Fire Services (Appointments and Promotion) Regulations (England and Wales) 2004. These included a general requirement that an appointee's general state of health and fitness should be satisfactory to carry out the duties of the role. Consultants who are experts in the field of physical and psychological testing were appointed by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to draw up new advisory point of entry selection tests in consultation with stakeholders. Concerns that previous fitness tests may have had specific adverse impact on the recruitment of women are being addressed in the development of the new tests, which are expected to be available in May 2005. Pending the completion of these tests, it is the responsibility of each fire and rescue authority to ensure that any tests or procedures used for the selection and appointment are relevant to the job and do not unfairly discriminate on any grounds.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 201856; 428 c342-3W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Health Fire and rescue services Medical examinations Recruitment Standards Exercise
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk