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Pension anger for firefighters
Changes to firefighters' pensions have been labelled "morally flawed".
Essex's chief fire officer David Johnson has vowed to fight the Government over proposed alterations to the Firefighters' Pension Scheme.
There are fears that proposed changes to the ill-health provision part of the pensions plan will create a system similar to the current, controversial, Army compensation scheme.
The Army scheme has recently been criticised for its low payments offered to injured servicemen.
Under the current pension scheme, firefighters who are injured in the line of duty and cannot carry out all the aspects of their job are allowed to retire early with an ill-health pension.
The proposed new rules will mean that any firefighter who is injured, no matter how seriously, and can fulfil any one part of the role of a firefighter, may be offered alternative work within the service.
If an alternative job does not exist, then the firefighter could be asked to leave, but would be unable to take his or her pension.
Mr Johnson, head of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: "I am disappointed that no one seems to be prepared to move on this issue and Essex firefighters have my full backing in their attempts to lobby for change.
"I remain convinced that the proposed new guidance is morally flawed, and will do everything I can to support a return to the 2004 guidance."
9:29am Tuesday 29th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: dids, Essex on 11:28am Tue 29 Apr 08
AT LAST. A Chief Officer who stands by his men. Well done David Johnson
AT LAST. A Chief Officer who stands by his men. Well done David Johnson
Posted by: Local Boy, Hawkwell on 4:22pm Tue 29 Apr 08
I struggle with this one, on one hand I think it is correct that firefighters injured in the line of duty should receive a pension if they are forced to leave the service. However just because they are unfit for that job does not mean they are unfit to work elsewhere.
Additionally I look at the appalling pension provision many of us not in public service will endure when we come to retire and I wonder what it is all about?
Big business took huge pension holidays in the money grabbing 1980's because pension funds were in surplus, the benefit going to the shareholders.
Now company pension funds are struggling all of these greedy businesses want to opt out of their responsibilities.
I can't help but think why should I as a taxpayer pay for luxurious risk free pensions for the public sector, when I will never have an opportunity to develop same?
I struggle with this one, on one hand I think it is correct that firefighters injured in the line of duty should receive a pension if they are forced to leave the service. However just because they are unfit for that job does not mean they are unfit to work elsewhere.
Additionally I look at the appalling pension provision many of us not in public service will endure when we come to retire and I wonder what it is all about?
Big business took huge pension holidays in the money grabbing 1980's because pension funds were in surplus, the benefit going to the shareholders.
Now company pension funds are struggling all of these greedy businesses want to opt out of their responsibilities.
I can't help but think why should I as a taxpayer pay for luxurious risk free pensions for the public sector, when I will never have an opportunity to develop same?
Posted by: blackhawk, southend on 6:06pm Tue 29 Apr 08
This government, such as it is, never ceases to amaze me. Who are the first people that we turn to when we need help? The police, fire and ambulance crews.
Who are the first to receive pats on the back when a national emergency is handles so professionally - think 7/7 - ? The emergency services.
Who do the government allow to live in squalor? The armed forces.
To whom do the government refuse to give a promised pay rise? The police.
Whose pensions are they robbing? The fireman.
It wouldn't be so bad if the government ministers and MPs weren't sticking their noses so deep into the trough of OUR money. Just think Mr. Speaker, Mandelson, Blair and all those whiter-than-white politicians. On, nearly forgot - Gordon Brown who flogged off our gold.
The firemen are another group to form the "Summer of Discontent".
This government, such as it is, never ceases to amaze me. Who are the first people that we turn to when we need help? The police, fire and ambulance crews.
Who are the first to receive pats on the back when a national emergency is handles so professionally - think 7/7 - ? The emergency services.
Who do the government allow to live in squalor? The armed forces.
To whom do the government refuse to give a promised pay rise? The police.
Whose pensions are they robbing? The fireman.
It wouldn't be so bad if the government ministers and MPs weren't sticking their noses so deep into the trough of OUR money. Just think Mr. Speaker, Mandelson, Blair and all those whiter-than-white politicians. On, nearly forgot - Gordon Brown who flogged off our gold.
The firemen are another group to form the "Summer of Discontent".
Posted by: Tony BLAIRE (retired), Used to be No.10 on 8:00pm Tue 29 Apr 08
[bold]Hello You Mugs, MPs have the best pension scheme... you lot pay for it.! 12years as an MP equals £27K a year pension........and you do not have to risk your life[/bold]
Hello You Mugs, MPs have the best pension scheme... you lot pay for it.! 12years as an MP equals £27K a year pension........and you do not have to risk your life Posted by: Bovvered, colchester on 2:49pm Tue 3 Jun 08
Who really cares,all they do is play snooker all day anyway
Who really cares,all they do is play snooker all day anyway
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