Firefighting service at risk from EU hours limit

EUROPEAN Union moves to restrict the hours that part-time firefighters work could put services at risk, the Scottish Government warned yesterday.

Fergus Ewing, the community safety minister, said the measures in the European Working Time Directive – from which the UK could lose its opt-out – would undermine the system in Scotland. The directive, introduced in 1993, sets a maximum average working week of 48 hours. It has been incorporated into UK law – but with the right to a voluntary opt-out.

The European Parliament voted through amendments late last year that would bring an end to the opt-out within three years, restricting the ability of individuals to work overtime.

"The Fire Service acknowledges that it is flexibility that allows it to deliver the retained duty system and it is flexibility that allows you to choose to undertake a retained fire-fighting role," Mr Ewing said.

"Abolition of the opt-out would restrict the choice of individuals to work overtime, restrict flexibility and, by having such an impact on the retained duty system, could ultimately put the service at risk."

Scotland has a higher proportion of retained and volunteer firefighters than other parts of the UK.