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<p>It is not possible to introduce fitness regulations as part of the pension regulations
in the absence of an agreed and universally applied national firefighter fitness standard
in England. The statutory principles that we put in the Fire and Rescue National Framework
for England came into force on 12 January. To underpin these, the National Employers
have sought further discussion with the Fire Brigades Union in respect of additional
guidance relating to the position already agreed in principle within the National
Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services. This discussion will be
about the role fire authorities will take in supporting operational employees in maintaining
their fitness. In addition, the National Employers are looking to discuss with the
unions, guidance on the application of the factors set out in pension regulations
for fire authority consideration in relation to Authority Initiated Early Retirement.
Both approaches are expected to provide reassurance to operational employees that
fire authorities will continue to treat their employees in a fair and consistent manner.</p><p>
</p><p>We will review the implementation of the National Framework principles in three
years time and consider then whether further action is needed. In the meantime no
firefighter will have to work beyond their current expected retirement date until
2022 at the earliest. Our expectation is that a firefighter of 55 or over who finds
themselves in the situation of losing their fitness through no fault of their own,
is subsequently unable to regain their fitness, and for whom there are no redeployment
opportunities, should be offered an unreduced pension.</p>
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