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Unite concerned over emergency cover for the London Fire Brigade

15th July 2009

Unite, the UK's largest union, has expressed concern at the planned emergency cover proposed by the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority for the London Fire Brigade.

The proposals would see maintenance workers at AssetCo, a support services provider, supply emergency cover to the London Fire Brigade. Unite members at AssetCo are seeking clarity as to what their role will be in the event of an emergency in the capital.

Unite met with AssetCo management yesterday (Tuesday) when the union asked what provision the company would make to protect union members and staff in dangerous situations. Unite also asked for details of how the contract would affect directly or indirectly the maintenance contract and the employees working on that contract or if they would be unable to carry out their work.

Colenzo Jarrett-Thorpe, Unite regional officer, who met with AssetCo management said: “Our members need urgent clarity as to what their role is and what the expectations are of them should the contract ever be triggered.

“We have asked the company for assurances that staff will not be penalised for any reason should they not be able to carry out their work. We will continue to have dialogue with AssetCo on this issue.”

Unite is the recognised union for collective bargaining representing members who include mechanics, fitters, drivers and some of the office staff based in South Ruislip, Middlesex.

AssetCo already holds a 20 year PFI contract where Unite members are responsible for maintaining and repairing London Fire Brigade's frontline vehicles and operational equipment at the 111 fire stations across the capital. This was outsourced from the London Fire Brigade issued by the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) under the auspices of the Greater London Assembly in 2001.

ENDS

For more information contact Colenzo Jarrett-Thorpe on 07771 656 692 or Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite press office on 020 7420 8914 or 07980 224761.