FBU Union Learning Fund – Project Support Organiser (Secondment)
CIRCULAR 2012HOCO251SS
11thMay 2012
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister,
During the last eight years the FBU has been promoting and advocating a Lifelong Learning agenda within the union and in the UK Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) funded by the Union Learning Fund.
The project aims to deliver Lifelong Learning opportunities to FBU members, FRS staff and the community in partnership with other Trade Unions, FRS Colleges, Employers and Education Providers.
As part of the overall Unionlearn strategy and Government direction the FBU project will be working to increase its role in promoting and delivering learning in non-unionised workplaces and our communities.
To help take this forward, funding has been agreed for an additional FBU ULF Project Worker to join the Union’s current learning team.
It is anticipated that this post will be on a secondment basis until 31st March 2013 and, dependant on Government funding, extended until 31st March 2014. The successful applicant will be required to ensure that their FRS will agree to the secondment prior to being confirmed in post.
The enclosed job specification and job advert should be displayed on the FBU notice board and brought to the attention of all FBU members.
Please note Friday 1st June 2012 is the closing date for applications which should clearly indicate how you meet the job description and other additional information that may support your application. This will be accepted by email or in writing to Sean Starbuck at Head Office email Sean.Starbuck@fbu.org.uk
For further information contact:
Trevor Shanahan – Mobile 07917 759 473 or e-mail Trevor.shanahan@fbu.org.uk
Yours in Unity,
SEAN STARBUCK
National Officer
SS/EMH
Special Conference 2012
CIRCULAR 2012HOC0241DG
26 April 2012
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister
Please find enclosed the following Executive Council Policy Statements to the Special Conference 2012.
- Campaigning to Defend Our Pension Scheme.
- Reorganisation.
- Mutuals and Privatisation – A Dual Threat to the Fire and Rescue Service.
- FBU Relations with the Histadrut.
- Defend the Fire and Rescue Service – Stop the Cuts.
- Pay and the National Joint Council.
Brigade/Sectional Committees have the opportunity to submit Amendments to the Policy Statements.
Amendments must reach Head Office not later than 2.00 pm on Monday, 21 May 2012.
Yours fraternally
DAVE GREEN
National Officer
Secretary, Standing Orders Committee
DG/SL
Update on Fairer Commutation Campaign – Judicial Review Date Set
CIRCULAR 2012HOC0220SS
16th April 2012
TO: BRIGADE SECRETARIES
Cc: All Officials
Dear Brother/Sister,
You will be aware that the FBU has been supporting ‘Retired and Out Of Trade Members’ in a grievance lodged with the Pensions Ombudsman concerning the process by which the commutation factors applied to the 1992 Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (FPS) were updated.
The High Court also considered the same issue as it applied to the Police Pension Scheme, and ruled that the new factors involved should have been effective from the date that the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) produced them and not the date when the Home Office accepted them. The reason for the result was that the wording of the relevant regulations imposed a duty on GAD to produce the factors, and did not give the Home Office discretion whether or not to accept them.
Consistent with that Judgment the FBU managed to achieve a position whereby the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) backdated the new factors from the date applied to the Police pension Scheme (December 2006) for the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme to 22 August 2006. The Judgment did not however look at the other questions that we had raised: why was there a delay between 1998 and 2005 before the factors were re-examined.
The FBU maintain that this delay amounted to ‘maladministration’, which is a matter within the Ombudsman’s remit but not the courts’.
The Ombudsman has had its jurisdiction to consider complaints questioned resulting in an appeal being lodged by GAD by way of judicial review proceedings, in which the defendant (the Pension Ombudsman) is the person who has exceeded his or her statutory powers.
The FBU is named as an interested party, meaning a party who has an interest in the outcome and who can make their own arguments in the proceedings, but who need not do so if they have nothing to add. The FBU will not be required to make any separate arguments as our position is consistent with that of the Pension Ombudsman.
What this does mean is that the investigations against GAD and against the DCLG, which have been on hold pending the outcome of this appeal, can be progressed once this Judgment has been handed down.
Although we have no firm date for any Judgment we expect this to be handed down by the end of July. You will be given more information as it becomes available.
Yours in Unity,
SEAN STARBUCK
National Officer
SS/EMH
Election of ONC National Chair
CIRCULAR: 2012HOCO203MW
2nd April 2012
TO: ALL MEMBERS
C.c. Executive Council Members
Regional & Brigade Officials
ONC National Committee
Dear Brother/Sister,
I am pleased to inform you that the only other candidate having declined to accept nomination, Brother John Arnold has been elected unopposed to the above position.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally,
MATT WRACK
General Secretary
Former President: Mick Shaw
CIRCULAR: 2012HOCO205MW
2 April 2012
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Brother Mick Shaw, former President of the Union, died yesterday following a long battle with cancer.
On behalf of all members of the Union I have passed on condolences to his family and offered whatever support we can provide.
Mick joined the London Fire Brigade in 1977 and almost immediately became involved in the 1977 strike. He remained involved in the Union throughout his career, holding numerous positions as an official and was elected Executive Council Member for London in 1997. In 2007, he was elected as President and served in that position until he retired early in 2011. Tragically he became very ill shortly after his retirement.
Arrangements have not yet been made for the funeral but the family would prefer that this is a small event for family and close friends. We also hope to be able, with the family, to arrange a wider memorial event for friends and colleagues shortly.
I know that the thoughts of all of us will be with Mick’s family and friends at this tragic time.
Yours fraternally
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
NJC Circular NJC/3/12 Diamond Jubilee Extra Bank Holiday – 5th June 2012
CIRCULAR 2012HOC0204AD
2 April 2012
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother / Sister
NJC CIRCULAR NJC/3/12Please find attached for your information, a copy of the above NJC circular number NJC/3/12, in respect of the bank holiday arrangements for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The agreement does not meet the full claim submitted by the FBU, however, we believe it represents the best achievable, at this time.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
ANDY DARK
Assistant General Secretary
Executive Council Statement: Pensions
CIRCULAR 2012HOC0200MW
30 March 2012
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister
Please find below an Executive Council Statement that was agreed yesterday following a discussion around the latest developments on Firefighter pensions. Executive Council members will now report back in detail on this and other aspects of these discussions. Further reports will be also issued in due course on our work around the two reviews agreed through these discussions.
Statement on Pensions 29 March 2012
The Executive Council has met today to discuss developments on pensions.
The Executive Council acknowledges that the year one (2012-2013) employee contribution increases for the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme and the New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme are significantly reduced compared to those originally proposed in public consultation. The Executive Council also acknowledges the terms of reference and timescales for the Review of Opt-Outs and Review of Normal Pension Age and that these have now been endorsed by the Firefighters Pensions Committee. The Executive Council recognises that these reviews offer a potential mechanism for addressing some of the key occupationally specific concerns for pensions in the Fire and Rescue Service.
We are extremely disappointed that firefighters’ pension contribution rates have been increased at all against the backdrop of the highest employee contribution rates in public sector schemes already being paid by firefighters and on top of nearly three years of pay freeze. We are also disappointed that these increases have been introduced in advance of the review of opt outs.
However, the Executive Council sees the reduced level of increases as an indication that the Westminster Government has, to some degree at least, listened to the representations being made by the FBU.
In the light of these latest developments, the Executive Council recommends that there should be no immediate move towards a strike ballot and that the Union should:
- Take full part in the two Fire Service reviews (of Opt-outs and of Normal Pension Age).
- Produce and develop further evidence to support our case within each review process and in other areas of continuing pension discussions.
- Continue to lobby relevant politicians.
- Monitor on-going developments.
- Continue to discuss with and support other Unions involved in campaigning to defend pensions.
All members are asked to monitor these developments closely and to ensure their views are made known through our Branch and Committee structure. Our concerns over proposals for our pensions remain unchanged and therefore the lawful trade dispute with the four Governments in the UK remains live. The Executive Council will be immediately reconvened in the event of any further significant developments ahead of the reviews and will in any case meet regularly to review progress.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
MW/sll
Summary of Responses to the Consultation on the Proposed Increases to Employee Contribution Rates, Effective from 1 April 2012 for England
CIRCULAR2012HOC0196SS
30th March 2012
TO: BRIGADE SECRETARIES
Dear Brother/Sister,
The Westminster Government yesterday (29 March 2012), revealed the increased levels of employee contribution rates for the 1992 Firefighters’ Pension Scheme and the 2006 New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme, effective in England from 1 April 2012. These outlined increases that had been amended from those that stakeholders were originally consulted on.
All members were immediately informed of these through a circular 2012HOC0186MW which also explained that we had written to ministers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales outlining our continued opposition to any increases but seeking confirmation from them that should they increase employee contributions they will reflect those applied in England.
At the same time that they released the amended increases, Westminster Government also released a summary of responses to the consultation on the proposed increases to employee contribution rates, effective from 1 April 2012 for England.
This summary, which is attached for your information, outlines some of the arguments that were submitted as part of the consultation which ran from 9 September 2011 until 2 December 2011.
The union submitted substantial evidence to this consultation process, including the findings of the YouGov survey on potential opt outs, attitudes to retention and recruitment and the potential impact on future promotion. In addition to this we also reiterated the findings from reports we had commissioned from First Actuarial which demonstrated the potential cash flow problems that an increase in opt outs or non joiners would have on the schemes in the future.
We highlighted that the proposals had not recognised that firefighters already pay one of the highest contribution rates in public sector pension schemes and it is unfair to make them pay more especially in a time of pay freezes and high rates of inflation.
We recognise that to some extent Westminster Government seems to have listened to our arguments and;
‘have decided that it is appropriate, in the specific case of the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme to proceed with an altered contribution rate increase from April 2012.’
We remain opposed to any increase in employee contributions whilst also recognising that these increases represent the lowest rates of increase of any of the unfunded schemes in the public sector.
The Westminster Government has given a commitment that they will review the impact of the proposed 2012-13 contribution changes, including the effect of membership opt-outs, before taking final decisions on how future increases will be delivered in 2013-14 and 2014-15.
The terms of reference for this ‘opt out review’ were agreed at the Firefighters’ Pension Committee on 28 March 2012.
We are disappointed that there was any increase in the employee contribution rate before the review commenced but Westminster Government have made it clear;
‘that they feel the altered levels of contributions will help reduce the risk of opt outs from the Firefighters’ Pension Schemes.’
The union recognises the importance of the ‘opt out review’ and we are already discussing how this process will be delivered and managed.
You will be updated on this and given further details as more information becomes available.
Yours in Unity,
SEAN STARBUCK
National Officer
SS/EMH
Pension Contribution Increases for the Firefighter Pension Schemes for 2012-2013
CIRCULAR: 2012HOC0186MW
29 March 2012
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister
The Government has today released information about our pension contributions for 2012-2013. You will be aware that the Government has increased employee contributions for all public sector workers and the Fire Service has been no exception. We have always stated our opposition to any increases and have, over the last few months, submitted substantial evidence to support our position. Over the last few weeks we have concentrated our efforts on seeking to influence the Government’s decision on the Year 1 contributions (2012-2013).
We have been informed that as a result of the evidence presented the proposed increases have been reduced at firefighter level by over 50%. Any increase is an unwelcome step at a time of a pay freeze and high rates of inflation.
Nevertheless, taken as a whole these are the lowest rates of increase of any of the unfunded schemes in the public sector. The Executive Council will now consider the implications of these increases alongside the other developments in our pension discussions.
The tables below show a comparison between the initial proposed increases and the ones that are now to be implemented.
1992 FPS
| Pensionable pay band | Original proposed increase 2012-2013
(%) |
Actual Increase
2012-13 (%) |
Total
contribution rate 2012-13 (%) |
| Up to and including £15,000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 11.0 |
| More than £15,000 and up to and including £30,000 | 1.3
(for those earning above £15,000) |
0.6 | 11.6 |
| More than £30,000 and up to and including £40,000 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 11.7 |
| More than £40,000 and up to and including £50,000 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 11.8 |
| More than £50,000 and up to and including £60,000 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 11.9 |
| More than £60,000 and up to and including £100,000 | 2.0 | 1.2 | 12.2 |
| More than £100,000 and up to and including £120,000 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 12.5 |
| More than £120,000 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 13.0 |
2006 NFPS
| Pensionable pay band | Original proposed increase 2012-2013
(%) |
Actual Increase
2012-13 (%) |
Total
contribution rate 2012-13 (%) |
| Up to and including £15,000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 8.5 |
| More than £15,000 and up to and including £30,000 | 0.6
(for those earning above £15,000) |
0.3 | 8.8 |
| More than £30,000 and up to and including £40,000 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 8.9 |
| More than £40,000 and up to and including £50,000 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 9.0 |
| More than £50,000 and up to and including £60,000 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 9.1 |
| More than £60,000 and up to and including £100,000 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 9.3 |
| More than £100,000 and up to and including £120,000 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 9.5 |
| More than £120,000 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 9.7 |
Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland
The initial consultation was based on the original proposed increases and took place in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. These amended proposals are currently only applicable in England. Therefore we have written to Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland outlining our continued opposition to any increases but seeking confirmation that should they increase employee contributions they will reflect those applied in England.
Previous circulars have confirmed the Government’s commitment to reviewing the impact of this increase before taking any final decision on future increases. Terms of Reference for this review were agreed at the Firefighters Pension Committee held on 28 March 2012.
This review gives us an opportunity to attempt to influence any decision on proposed future increases in contributions. The Executive Council will consider the situation relating to this review and the review of Normal Pension Age alongside the amended contribution increases and will report back to members following this week’s discussion.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
MW/sll
NJC Circular Njc/4/12 – Diamond Jubilee Medal
CIRCULAR 2012HOC0193AD
29 March 2012
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother / Sister
Please find attached, a copy of the above NJC circular number NJC/4/12, in respect of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, for your information.
As members will recall, the FBU had raised this matter at the NJC, and the employers agreed to make a joint approach to the UK Government. The Government did not accede to the NJC representation. This is very disappointing, but not surprising.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
ANDY DARK
Assistant General Secretary
AD/jh
