Written question asked by Lord Swire (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 November 2004. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 November 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 redundancy package will be offered to control staff who lose their jobs as a result of the relocation of fire brigades to a regional control centre.

Answer: Mr. Swire: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what redundancy package will be offered to control staff who lose their jobs as a result of the relocation of fire brigades to a regional control centre. [196490] Mr. Raynsford: There is no plan to relocate fire brigades, only to rationalise control services at a regional level. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister recognises that this will have implications for existing fire control staff. However, the skills of these staff are generally transferable, so there will be a premium on ensuring both that people who are not going to find jobs under the new arrangements are helped to relocate and secure other jobs and that the service will continue to operate in the most effective way. If staff were to lose their jobs, the redundancy package would be a matter for negotiation between staff representatives and the employers. At a minimum such staff would be eligible for the statutory redundancy payment, as dictated by their length of service with the fire and rescue service.

Secondary information