Retained Fire Crews

[Western SMT]

BBC article -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7845091.stm

[Western SMT]

It has been claimed moves to force Britain to adopt the European Working Time Directive would leave a part-time, retained fire service “unviable” because it would be illegal for anyone to work for more than 48 hours a week.

Retained fire fighters, many of whom hold down full-time day jobs on top of their commitment to the fire service, make up 56 per cent of the county’s fire fighters and earn on average between £5,000 and £8,000 a year for agreeing to be available for up to 120 hours per week.

There is also the issue of driving hours and the rest time drivers are meant to have, particularly retained fire fighters who drive HGV’s in their day jobs and also drive the fire engines.

[G-CPTN]

Isn't there a case for Emergency Services to be partially exempt?
I'm not suggesting that operatives should be encouraged (or even permitted) to work when fatigued (indeed that would be counter-productive in an environment where awareness is essential to ensure safety of both the operative and the casualties) but maybe some concessions could be included.
Of course, some might then suggest exemption from such regulations as alcohol comsumption . . .

[Western SMT]

The new European directive limiting weekly working time to 48 hours starts 2012.

The European Parliament voted on December 17 to refuse the UK an exemption from the directive, meaning retained crew manning stations could be forced to resign because ‘non active’ fire-fighting work combined with their full-time jobs would exceed permitted working hours.

http://www.obantimes.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/8381/Working_time_opt_out_vital_for__retained_firefight ers,_warns_MP.html

[G-CPTN]

What are the penalties for breaking these rules?

(though I don't expect the employers would condone this as it might invalidate the insurance cover)

[Western SMT]

Believe it's up to a £5000 fine for each breach of the rules

[G-CPTN]

Ooops! That's stiff . . .