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‘Hertfordshire’s firefighters quitting to become train drivers’




Hertfordshire firefighters are leaving the emergency service to drive trains.

The trend has been highlighted by the county’s chief fire officer, Alex Woodman, who is also Herts County Council’s executive director of community protection.

The authority operates a network of fire stations across Hertfordshire – including Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and Much Hadham – staffed by whole-time or on-call firefighters.

Bishop’s Stortford fire station in Patmore Close
Bishop’s Stortford fire station in Patmore Close

Data shows that this year two firefighters have left to work for train companies. Last year (2022) there were six and the previous year (2021) there were also six – that’s 14 firefighters in all in less than three years, accounting for 30% of a total of 46 departures.

Greater money and more days off were said to be among the factors tempting firefighters away from Herts’ fire and rescue service.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the county council’s overview and scrutiny committee, Mr Woodman told councillors: “The attraction and retention of firefighters is an ever-increasing challenge for us.

Hertfordshire’s chief fire officer Alex Woodman
Hertfordshire’s chief fire officer Alex Woodman

“We’re not seeing the level of interest we would’ve seen perhaps five years ago. And we’re seeing scenarios where we lose trained professionals because they earn more money driving trains.”

In a statement issued later, he added: “There are many different reasons why firefighters leave for other jobs, but with the recent increases in the cost of living we know pay has become more of an issue.

“Most firefighters are dedicated to their career, but our firefighters are highly trained with a lot of transferable skills, so it’s no surprise they can get good jobs elsewhere if they choose to.

“Firefighters are highly-valued staff who play a vitally important role, and we’re very aware of the risks posed by losing skilled staff to other sectors.

“It takes a lot of time, effort and money to recruit and train firefighters due to the skills and qualities needed, and we don’t want to lose that skill and experience to other employers.

“We hope this year’s nationally agreed pay rise will help encourage more of our valued firefighters to remain with us.”



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