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Reduced warnings for firefighters in sleeping bag row

17/08/2007

Greater Manchester firefighters disciplined for using "unauthorised rest facilities" during night shifts have had their punishments reduced after an appeal.

A dawn inspection by a team of fire chiefs at the end of May revealed that the officers had been resting in sleeping bags and gym mats on the floor, which is contrary to health and safety regulations.

In June, two firefighters and a watch manager received written warnings for failing to rest in the £400 reclining chairs that were installed as an alternative to beds in the region's stations.

After launching an appeal, one of the firemen had his punishment overturned, while the other two firefighters saw the severity of their warnings reduced.

Tim Fensome, chairman of the Fire Brigades Union, said there were no witnesses that the firefighters had done anything wrong and he criticised managers for pressing ahead with punitive action.

"We expected a small degree of British common sense. Instead we have been served up another dollop of management nonsense," he remarked.

Greater Manchester firefighters are permitted three hours of rest during a 15-hour night shift when they are not on emergency call-out, but they are not allowed to fall asleep.

Last year it was reported that after the regional force spent £130,000 on the reclining chairs, fire crews were banned from sitting on them until a four-page manual had been studied.




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