Fire and rescue workforce support

We provide the secretariat to the Employers' Sides of the National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services, the Middle Managers' Negotiating Body, and the NJC for Brigade Managers of Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services.


January 2024

The National Joint Council for Brigade Managers, which covers senior managers in fire and rescue services across the UK, has reached agreement to apply a three per cent increase on basic pay with effect from 1 January 2024.

September 2023

The Inclusive Fire Service Group (IFSG), an NJC-led body for the UK fire and rescue service has reaffirmed its commitment to its original terms of reference, alongside a renewed focus and determination to support and promote the development of positive culture and inclusive behaviours in the service, in a Statement of Intent.

May 2023

The National Joint Council for Brigade Managers, which covers senior managers in fire and rescue services across the UK, has now reached agreement to apply a 4 per cent increase on basic pay with effect from 1 January 2022 and a 3.5 per cent increase on basic pay with effect from 1 January 2023.  

March 2023

The National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Authority Fire & Rescue Services have agreed a two-year pay deal - rates of pay and CPD payments effective from 1 July 2022 and 1 July 2023 are available below:

NJC 4/23 - CPD increase 2023
NJC 3/23 - Pay award 2023
NJC 2/23 - CPD increase 2022
NJC 1/23 - Pay award 2022

8 February 2023

The fire and rescue service National Employers have made a pay offer to the Fire Brigades Union, of seven per cent effective from 1 July 2022 and five per cent effective from 1 July 2023. The National Employers, who negotiate pay on behalf of all fire and rescue services across the UK, has also indicated a willingness to explore the other matters raised in the claim.

23 December 2022

Circular NJC/2/22 outlines the agreements for which striking fire personnel may respond to any major incidents where strike action is taking place and during periods of strike action.

23 December 2022

Circular NJC/3/22 sets out arrangements for the bank holiday across the UK to mark the Coronation of King Charles, for staff covered by the National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services.

13 September 2022

Circular NJC/1/22 sets out arrangements for the Bank Holiday for the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, for staff covered by the National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services.

12 August


Circular EMP/4/22 advises that following circular EMP/3/22 and the letter from the Chair of the National Employers to the Home Secretary on 2 August. The Home Office have advised that the Home Secretary is still considering the issue and they will get back to us at the earliest opportunity. As you would expect we have again emphasised the reasons why ‘at the earliest opportunity’ would be welcomed.

3 August 2022

The fire and rescue service National Employers has written to the Home Secretary concerning the pay negotiation for 2022 (Grey Book).

19 July 2022

The employees’ side of the NJC for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services (Grey Book) has informed the National Employers of its decision to reject the two per cent pay offer.

27 June 2022

Following a round of detailed consultation meetings with fire authority chairs, chief fire officers and police, fire and crime commissioners, the National Employers made an offer to the employees side of the NJC for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services on 27 June of a two per cent uplift on basic pay and continual professional development (CPD) rates, which would be effective from 1 July. 

14 October 2021

Agreement has been reached between the LGA and the Fire Brigades Union on a Memorandum of Understanding and Framework in respect of pension Immediate Detriment issues related to the Sargeant/McCloud legal judgment. A joint statement was issued to fire and rescue authorities who will now consider adoption of the Framework. A copy of the MoU and Framework can be obtained from [email protected] 

31 August 2021

An update released today on behalf of the LGA and the National Employers (England) on the Fit for the Future partnership work undertaken with the NFCC, the update includes an executive summary, consultation and next steps. For a full copy of the consultation report please email [email protected]

5 August 2021

The LGA Fire Services Management Committee and the National Fire Chiefs Council have jointly written an open letter to responsible persons regarding checks on fire safety measures. It will be relevant to all stock-holding councils ALMOs etc and also private sector housing enforcement teams.

28 June 2021

Agreement has been reached within the NJC on a 1.5 per cent pay award for 2021 and a 1.5 per cent uplift in Continual Professional Development payments.

18 May 2021

A new Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services launched today by the Local Government Association (LGA), the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), pledges to be at the heart of everything employees do and ensures communities get the best possible support.

Developed in consultation with the sector, the Core Code is designed to help employees of the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) act in the best way towards each other and while serving the public.