Two hundred and ninety four Welsh firefighters were injured on duty in 2005-06, with 28 suffering major injuries. Because serious injuries can cut short their careers, firefighters pay 11% of their earnings into their pension - more than many other public sector workers. But in 2006 the rules were changed and now if an injured firefighter cannot perform their usual role, and a suitable job vacancy does not exist elsewhere, he or she can be dismissed and any pension withheld until they are 60.
"It seems to me that a huge injustice has been created by these rule changes," said Mr. Black. "All of us rely on firefighters to put their lives at risk to keep us safe and yet the Government has changed the rules in such a way so as to penalise them if their bravery leads to them being injured. That cannot be right."
"Responsibility for the Fire Service has been devolved so there is no reason why this cannot be resolved on a Wales-only level by the simple expedient of reverting to the version of the guidance on ill-health retirements which existed until 2006. Equally the Welsh Government could issue its own guidance. The Social Justice Minister needs to step in and sort this problem out as soon as possible."
