Unions and fire service chiefs have met to discuss potential job losses.

It follows the leaking of an internal document about possible redundancies, with Chief Fire Officer Kevin Groom emphasising these would be considered only as a last resort.

A joint statement has now been released by the Fire Brigades Union, Unite and the Chief Fire officer, noting the cuts to the fire and rescue service budget 'and the impact that it has on the ability to maintain current staffing numbers'.

The statement continues: 'The meeting was conducted in a very constructive manner with all parties committing to explore every avenue to avoid redundancies, but the very real potential cuts to the Fire and Rescue Service budget has made that work-stream very difficult. Dialogue will continue in that constructive vein with further meetings to be arranged.'

The statement concludes that union members and employees will be kept fully informed at all stages of discussions.


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