Tory attacks work time regulations
THE new Conservative candidate for Batley and Spen has expressed concerns at new EU regulations that could lead to cuts in Yorkshire's fire service and force up council tax bills.
Janice Small has also revealed how West Yorkshire Fire services were called to assist with lifting 38 obese people at a cost of 87,000.
The European Parliament has voted to impose new regulations through the EU Working Time Directive.
If the new EU rules go ahead, workers' rights to opt-out from the working time rules will be abolished. Employers would have to ensure workers work no more than 48 hours a week. 'On-call' time in the workplace, even when inactive, would be counted as working time. This will have a devastating impact on retained firefighters, who double up their firework with other jobs. Many have pagers – on call in the event of emergencies.
She said this would cut the number of retained firefighters on active duty. There would be reduced local fire cover, response times will increase as firefighters have to come from further away, and more full-time firefighters will be needed – pushing up the fire levy on council tax bills.
The Local Government Association and Chief Fire Officers' Association have attacked the plans.
Currently, in West Yorkshire, there are 238 retained firefighter posts. Only 149 posts are filled.
Janice said: "This red tape, backed by Labour MEPs, would cut local fire services, put lives at risk and force up council tax across Batley and Spen.
"This is in addition to figures released this week that show firefighters in our area have been called out to assist in helping other services lift 38 obese people, costing the taxpayer 87,000 (2004-2008). As the nation and the EU grows fatter, taxpayers will question our priorities leading up to the Euro elections."
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Weather for Batley
Sunday 05 February 2012
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Temperature: 3 C to 6 C
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