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This website represents the views of Hampshire Retained Fire Fighters Union
Archive of all of our news items - find out what happened - and when!
04/11/2011 15:44:02
On-call fire crews are set for £310k payout
SUFFOLK’S on-call fire crews are set to share a £310,000 payout after resolving a long-standing legal wrangle over working conditions.
20/09/2011 15:25:10
Failed fire project wasted £469m
A project to set up nine regional control centres for fire and rescue services in England was a "complete failure" and wasted £469m, MPs say.
09/08/2011 17:59:59
WM Marty Coles R.I.P
With deepest sympathies to the family of Marty a professional and respected member of the RDS. From the RFU and all of its members.
04/05/2011 14:18:52
Phishing Attack Warning
Do NOT fill in the form purporting to be from the FBU for Settlement Of Part Time claim
08/02/2011 19:35:47
Sorting Out The Time Sheets
Following a very productive meeting with HFRS we are pleased to announce that some great developments have occurred.
27/01/2011 22:51:00
Letter to revoke contract decision
We have been deeply concerned by HFRS recent request to change your contracts.
27/01/2011 16:16:21
Banded Contracts
We hope to have an update to all enquiries based on your contract requests very soon...
03/01/2011 16:24:45
Does the hamster need rescuing? That'll be £600
Horses in pools, cats up trees... animals cause so many 999 calls. But that could be about to change. Matt Chorley says budget cuts will be bad news f
20/12/2010 16:53:02
Multi-million pound fire control centre scrapped
A new multi-million pound fire regional fire control centre has been scrapped – before it has even opened.
19/10/2010 11:46:26
HFRS Salary Proposal
You will shortly receive a letter from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service with proposed changes to your Terms and Conditions for the RDS Pay Scheme.
11/08/2010 21:44:30
Salary Negotiation- your job....your choice
The HRFU have today started a campaign to find out what you think with regards to the Salary Scheme.
15/07/2010 13:00:39
Staff Bank Expressions Of Interest.
The RFU along with the FBU are asking members NOT to sign up for the Staff Bank - yet.....
28/06/2010 15:40:42
Salary Response
Want to know what the RFU response to Hampshire's Salary Scheme is? Read On....
25/05/2010 00:27:57
Regionalisation comes to an end
The Coalition Government have announced within its document 'The Coalition: our programme for government', that regionalisation may end.
11/05/2010 16:15:29
RDS Salary Negotiations
As part of the ongoing RDS Strategy Project undertaken by HFRS, salary and contracts are currently being reveiwed.
05/05/2010 15:40:55
Salary Scheme #2
There has been a great deal of speculation recently, over proposals for an annualised salary scheme for RDS employees.
04/05/2010 16:39:30
Salary Scheme
As HFRS starts to discuss alternative ways to pay us, so we are starting to proepare our own documentation to challenge...
07/04/2010 12:50:16
Hampshire Tragedy
No words can ever truly convey the loss we all feel when a fire fighter is lost, what makes even more abhorrent is when it is two from our own service
13/01/2010 18:58:46
Getting To Rural Incidents Faster
You may have read the corporate plan and had your thoughts, so have we.......
20/10/2009 10:42:21
Bronto takes 30 minutes to reach blaze
FIREFIGHTERS have described a 30-minute wait for a hydraulic platform at a Torquay fire as 'outrageous' and warned cutbacks are putting lives at risk.
19/10/2009 11:53:45
Civilian staff cover fire strike
Civilian staff at South Yorkshire fire service will be used to drive back-up vehicles in a planned two-day strike by firefighters over shift changes.
16/10/2009 09:47:56
Strange Entries On Wageslips
If you have noticed sanhe entries on your wage slip, read on.....
09/10/2009 17:00:57
Concerns over Rushmoor fire crew plans
DAYTIME fires in Farnborough will have one fewer fire engine to respond to them if new plans go ahead.
25/09/2009 17:40:35
Fire station closures 'could hit Coventry'
CONCERNS are growing that firefighters in Coventry could see their workload double if fire stations in Warwickshire close.
13/09/2009 13:29:00
4 Riders Response
We supply our response to SMT's recent announcement that 4 riders will be introduced.
06/08/2009 17:28:15
The future is .5m smaller!
Jerry Leonard invited the RFU to see the new Midi pump of West Sussex which will be similar to the 2 being purchased by HFRS next year.
29/07/2009 11:24:50
Robotic firefighting team debuts
A team of fire-fighting robots has been unveiled by defence contractor QinetiQ at a demonstration in London.
18/07/2009 14:06:21
More Than Four Update
We offer the definitive document for HFRS explaining why limiting riders to 4 is NOT acceptable.
19/06/2009 17:28:07
More Than Four
The RFU launches our campaign 'more than 4'
08/06/2009 13:22:09
HFRS Does Well In HSE Audit
HFRS recently invited the HSE to come and audit the service to establish how well it was doing.
17/05/2009 10:26:04
Fleet lost in fire college blaze
A fleet of 11 fire engines worth £1.3m and belonging to the national Fire Service College in Gloucestershire has been destroyed in a blaze.
28/04/2009 16:13:12
RFU claim victory in keeping individual Opt-Out
The 3rd WTD conciliation committee broke down tonight (27 April) ending the round of negotiations without agreement.
16/04/2009 17:31:11
New Transfer Opportunities Are Here!
We are very pleased to announce the opportunity for 6 RDS firefighters to transfer into Wholetime has just been released.
09/04/2009 17:34:35
RMS Friend or Foe?
In the last few weeks the RMS system has gone from an occasional flaky test product to a very unstable production model.
02/04/2009 11:36:55
UK 'stands firm' on working time
The UK is continuing to resist pressure to end its opt-out from the EU's maximum 48-hour working week.
20/03/2009 10:51:50
Obesity toll on fire brigade
Soaring cost of rescuing heavy victims causes alarm.
11/03/2009 10:29:19
Are gas explosion fears justified?
Fires on sites where acetylene gas canisters are stored are causing major disruption in towns and cities across England, evidence suggests.
09/03/2009 17:41:31
Keep The Opt Out
We have just launched a new website to give you all the details on the Working Time Regulations Opt Out.
06/03/2009 18:15:22
EU threat to retained fire crews
England's fire services will lose thousands of part-time firefighters if the opt-out of a working-time directive is ended, a union has warned.
19/02/2009 12:22:09
Working Time Regulations - the threat rises again!
Last year the EU voted to end the Opt Out option in the Working Time Regulations by 2012. This could be a massive threat to RDS Fire Fighters.
12/02/2009 10:21:28
HFRS Announce Purchase of 50 RDS Monitors
We have recently been informed by HFRS that they have purchased 50 brand new PC's with 19" monitors for RMS use.....
10/12/2008 19:44:29
Mice 'scare' fireman from station
An Essex fireman refused to work a shift at a station after finding two mice in the kitchen.
25/11/2008 16:06:46
Fire engine trapped on bollards
An investigation has been started after a hydraulic platform fire engine became stuck on top of a set of rising bollards in Manchester city centre.
12/11/2008 11:41:58
Working Time Directive – Drivers of LGV's
Do you drive an LGV vehicle in your employment outside of HFRS? Then this is something you should read NOW!
03/11/2008 11:17:10
Driver dies in fire engine crash
The driver of a car was killed when it was in collision with a fire engine answering an emergency in East Sussex.
23/10/2008 19:26:27
RMS Updates
The Retained Management System is now starting to roll out, its great and following feedbacks a few changes have been made....
13/10/2008 16:38:32
It's coming back!
OK we are waiting for the actual hard facts - but we are very happy to announce that the RMS is shortly due to be re-launched!
27/08/2008 11:53:22
RMS System Last Minute Cancellation
HFRS have had to postpone the new RMS system at the last minute due to someones seemingly mad case of paranoia!
18/08/2008 16:43:07
Group 4 backup for emergency services
£100m contract awarded to security firm amid fears army is too stretched to man fire engines
28/07/2008 16:42:42
RFU Plus
RFU Launch new Benefits Package website - RFU+
16/07/2008 01:48:17
Strike ballot over 'fat' fireman
Firefighters have agreed to ballot for strike action over the sacking of a colleague who management decided was overweight and not fit for duty.
23/06/2008 10:53:20
Fire crew strikes close airports
About 2,000 passengers using airports in the Highlands and Islands are facing disruption because of industrial action by fire and rescue staff.
17/06/2008 12:43:43
In Scope Drivers
Does your whole-time employment involve driving an “in scope” vehicle? If so you MUST read this!
28/05/2008 14:25:47
Retained Management System
Coming to your station soon....
23/04/2008 19:48:49
Off-duty firefighter 'saved life'
An off-duty firefighter "saved a man's life" by rescuing him from a burning building, the fire service has said.
03/04/2008 09:56:15
Fire crews call for siren rethink
Retained firefighters in Devon have said they could miss response time targets because crews are being held up in traffic jams.
27/03/2008 17:40:19
With Great Sympathy
Are thoughts are with Firefighter Steve Capps family following his sad death.
19/03/2008 10:50:50
Retained Management System
The most fundamental changes to effect the RDS are now being evaluated. Find out how it will effect you.....
06/02/2008 11:46:10
Why you may consider NOT joining the fire service
Due to an almost criminal decision by a short sighted and far removed Government - new RDS recruits have protection,
10/01/2008 13:45:29
'Deformed calves' born after fire
An inquiry has begun into claims that chemicals used to tackle the Buncefield oil fire have caused deformities in newborn calves on a nearby farm.
04/12/2007 16:44:19
Move to reduce fire false alarms
Fire crews in Greater Manchester will no longer respond to automatic fire alarms if there is no sign of a blaze.
14/11/2007 10:19:48
Fire rules 'need urgent review'
The Chief Fire Officers' Association (CFOA) is calling for a sweeping review of UK commercial building regulations.
04/11/2007 11:49:18
Tragedy at Atherstone
All in Hampshire Retained FireFighters Union and every fire fighter in the country offers our thoughts to the families of the fire fighters.
13/10/2007 11:28:09
Pensions could kill the Retained Fire Service
The new pension scheme introduced by the government could stop any one from wanting to become an RDS firefighter.
09/10/2007 12:37:44
County Committee Meeting
Some of the most challenging, threatening, thought provoking and beneficial times are ahead for RDS stations throughout the County.
17/09/2007 16:23:42
HFRS Save 19 lives
ACO Kevin Butcher today paid compliments to the crews who attended the recent incident at Milton Road, Portsmouth September.
13/08/2007 16:22:28
Are you fit enough?
HFRS are currently looking at the issues of fitness in the service.
29/06/2007 11:25:32
Fire chiefs urge floods shake-up
Firefighters do not have the equipment and powers to tackle severe flooding, service chiefs have said.
23/06/2007 09:48:03
House Of Lords Rules for HGV Firefighters
House of Lords confirms retained firefighters are exempt fro EU driving regulations.
01/06/2007 00:56:41
RDS Projects - HRFU responds
Sometimes projects come along which provide such far reaching effects on everyone of us you have to get involved.
15/02/2007 10:51:38
From front line to picket line
Last summer 1,000 Merseyside firefighters went on strike for 26 days in a dispute which slipped under the national media radar.
28/01/2007 23:24:36
Archbishop urges end to diversity
The Archbishop of York has warned that community cohesion can only be achieved if there is an end to talk of multi-culturalism and diversity.
27/12/2006 12:41:21 PM
Working Time Regulation - a personal viewpoint
The WTR is being looked at by businesses because originally the union AMICUS noted apparent differences between
23/12/2006 12:18:27 PM
A Merry Christmas!
On behalf of all of us here at Hampshire RFU, may we wish all of our members and subscribers a very Merry Christmas.
29/11/2006 2:17:07 PM
Fund Raising Opportunity
HFRS and USAR are not just sending a fire engine to Africa....they want to train the local firefighters!
07/11/2006 7:59:46 PM
IRMP4
Our respone to SMT following the recent presentation for the IRMP4 proposal.
31/10/2006 12:59:36 PM
FBU are not supporting co-responders
FBU-Medical Aid Judgement
20/10/2006 12:05:38 PM
RDS to WDS Transfer
There is light at the end of the tunnel!
16/10/2006 8:12:52 AM
Princes Trust
We are looking for a guinea pig!
16/10/2006 8:12:30 AM
Princes Trust
We are looking for a guinea pig!
05/10/2006 8:57:10 PM
HFRS or H & IOW FRS?
Has John got a ticket to Ryde?
05/10/2006 12:17:17 AM
Firefighters call off pay dispute
Firefighters have called off unofficial action in a dispute over pay and have returned to normal working.
6/9/2006 9:00:47 PM
Region 'safer' during fire strike
Public safety improved while firefighters were on strike, Merseyside's chief fire officer has said in an e-mail.
9/5/2006 12:39:21 AM
Firefighters begin second strike
A second strike by firefighters has begun on Merseyside, only two hours after the first ended.
8/22/2006 9:29:19 AM
Four-day strike for firefighters
Firefighters on Merseyside are to go on strike for four days in protest at 120 planned job losses.
8/9/2006 5:40:55 PM
Pay and Rewards
We have just finsihed a meeting looking at pay and rewards throughout the Fire Service. But what does this mean to you Hampshires Retained Fire Fight
7/19/2006 10:05:36 PM
Work/Life Balance Study
HRFU are very please to offer support to Susan Templeton and her study in Work Life Balance for her MBA.
7/12/2006 12:06:35 PM
Natural Selection or Nepotism you decide.
We recently asked HFRS why the method of selecting crews for Farnborough had changed from previous years, Colin Millar responded...
6/15/2006 12:05:51 AM
Firemen from abroad may be used in event of strike
Private Danish firm asked to provide staff instead of Army in disputes says Paul Whitehouse.
6/14/2006 11:54:15 PM
Firefighters issue strike threat
Firefighters on Teesside are to be balloted on taking strike action over plans which they claim could see more than 60 frontline posts lost.
6/1/2006 2:51:49 PM
New Benefits Scheme Exclusively For RFU Members!
The RFU strive to ensure that you are well represented. As a result we have linked up with AWD Moneyextra for a fantastic offer.
4/22/2006 12:42:12 PM
RFU announces new benefits scheme
The RFU having listened to its members announces two great new benefits for its members.
4/16/2006 10:55:04 AM
Thursday 20 April 2006 HRFU AGM
This years AGM is at Bishops Waltham Station and we are aiming for at least one representative from each station!
4/12/2006 10:10:21 AM
Scrap Car Madness
Did you hear the latest from the training department - RDS stations limited to 3 scrap cars for financial reasons - we respond.....
4/8/2006 11:37:45 AM
RMS Insurance
HFRS have finally cleared up this issue, read on.....
4/6/2006 3:28:18 AM
Bounty Latest
The following was received from the RFU with regards to the RDS Firefighters Bounty Payments
3/28/2006 11:15:09 AM
View from around the UK
Modernisation in the fire service - myth or reality?
3/15/2006 4:12:48 PM
Updating Your RMS - you are currently covered....
SDO Kevin Butcher has come out in support of RDS firefighters completing the RMS sheets and advised maintaining your RMS sheets is considered 'duty'.
3/10/2006 7:54:48 PM
FBU Prematurely Releases!
House of Lords pension ruling does apply to all RDS .
2/14/2006 11:10:05 AM
Is this what you were trying to acheive?
Congratulations to HFRS who have succesfully managed to disenfranchise a major group of their employees.
2/4/2006 6:19:09 PM
So Who Will Manage Your Stations?
HFRS have failed us! Whilst the UK government identifies the amazing value offered by RDS. HFRS now devalue RDS Sub Officers.
2/3/2006 10:36:16 AM
Rank To Role Appeal
Thursday 02 February saw the last of our presentations to HFRS in defence of Sub OIC's Rank to Role decision.
1/30/2006 9:15:31 PM
Rank To Role Presentation
Tuesday evening see's the presentation by RDS Subs as to why HFRS have made such a mistake with Rank to Role
1/13/2006 2:39:25 PM
Low morale amongst firefighters
Morale among crews in the West Midlands Fire Service is at an all time low, according to a recent staff survey.
12/12/2005 12:05:43 AM
Disgust!
HFRS have really excelled themselves in managing to demoralise their RDS Sub Officers.
12/5/2005 1:34:12 AM
Payroll errors - fact or fallacy?
What do you do if you find you have been paid incorrectly? HRFU can help....
11/11/2005 7:22:07 PM
Firefighters to strike in dispute
Firefighters in the West Midlands are to go on strike next week after they rejected a revised pay offer.
10/25/2005 1:02:18 AM
Its Firefighting but not as we know it!
We were pleased to be invited to the Fire Express demo at Service HQ. This system (mentioned in IRMP3) fits into the rapid response vehicle
10/16/2005 5:10:27 PM
South East Fire Control Announced
Tuesday 11 October ODPM announce the new location for South East Fire Control. We make no judgements, but present their account.
9/26/2005 9:46:55 PM
IRMP3
We were recently invited to the first presentation for IRMP3 - the plan for HFRS the next 12 months and beyond.
7/19/2005 4:44:00 PM
RDS Firefighters to pilot new crewing scheme
Manning problems at a rural station in Droxford has resulted in a new initiative from HFRS.
7/18/2005 9:59:37 AM
Spain blaze kills 11 firefighters
At least 11 volunteer firefighters died as they fought a forest fire in Spain's central province of Guadalajara.
7/11/2005 11:29:04 AM
Alarm over plan to centralise fire cover
FIRE chiefs have stunned the public with plans that could lead to three fire stations being shut.
7/6/2005 10:13:54 AM
Unreal Expectations
Again the misunderstanding that some in HFRS have of RDS firefighters has been highlighted but we fail to understand why this should be surprising!
6/1/2005 7:58:28 AM
Red Light - Spells Danger?
The FBU are currently advising their members not to drive through red lights what advice can we give?
5/23/2005 6:06:38 PM
Reaction To Change
On Thursday 19th May 2005 Hampshire RFU Chair and Secretary attended the meeting between HFRS senior management and all RDS OiC's.
5/11/2005 10:24:11 PM
Euro-MPs back tighter work hours
A rule which allows workers to choose to put in more than 48 hours a week may end after MEPs voted to scrap it.
5/3/2005 9:53:27 AM
Local Retained Firefighters in CFS inititiative
Yateley Firefighters, HF&RS. Voluntary CFS Initiative. Providing personal issue smoke detectors to all children of school age within their fire ground
4/12/2005 4:34:29 PM
Havant & Waterlooville Possible Merger
The rumour about Havant and Waterlooville being closed and merged has been commented on by HFRS and the following was reported to HRFU by SDO Butcher.
4/11/2005 10:10:36 PM
Shortage of part-time fire crews
Warnings that East Sussex is 20% short of the 300 part-time firefighters it needs have come from the fire service.
3/31/2005 3:25:00 PM
8/80
With time to think and having a few conversations with other firefighters one thing seems to becoming more and more apparent - 8/80 is wrong!
3/15/2005 9:03:11 PM
Ministers face fire centre worry
Government ministers are expected to face tough questions over their plans for regional fire control centres.
2/28/2005 4:28:20 PM
RMS-view from the top
On Wednesday 23rd February we were very kindly invited to an audience with SDO Kevin Butcher about the new RMS The notes from the meeting....
21/02/2005 23:26:01
Fire control centre row deepens
The row over the South West regional fire centre has deepened after Avon Fire Authority said it would not voluntarily hand over 999 services.
15/02/2005 23:26:01
Welcome to our latest resource....for you
You met once a week and are spread throughout the county - how can we ensure we are serving you optimally?
28/12/2004 17:20:21
HRFU announce brand new website.
Raising the bar again for services to its members, HRFU are very pleased and proud to announce a brand new website to improve its service.
 
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