Keep the opt-out to keep the public safe

12.00.00am GMT Mon 16th Feb 2009

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has given his backing to his colleague Eleanor Burnham's Statement of Opinion on the impact the abolition of Britain's opt-out from the Working Time Directive will have on retained fire-fighters across Wales.

The EU Parliament wants to remove Britain's opt out of the Working Time Directive which would mean individuals will only be allowed to work 48 hours a week. This would have a drastic impact on the fire service as this includes time spent on call. The move is opposed by the Retained Fire-fighters Union and the Liberal Democrats are leading the campaign against the changes in the Welsh Assembly, Scottish Parliament and the House of Commons.

Mr Black said: "The Fire and Rescue Service is vital to the safety of communities throughout my region and all of Wales. The retained fire fighters are a key component of the service, especially in rural areas and must be safeguarded from any adverse implications of the Working Time Directive.

"These volunteer fire fighters provide a valuable and life-saving service and it is important that we make sure it continues to exist - for the safety of everyone in Wales.

"The suggested complications arising from the Working Time Directive must surely have been unintended and the European Parliament should dispose of them as soon as possible.

"By signing Eleanor's Statement of Opinion I hope to raise awareness of this issue and make sure that we do not place the public at risk."

Mr Black is also encouraging everyone to sign the Scottish Liberal Democrats' UK-wide petition at www.keeptheoptout.com

ENDS

Notes: The Statement of Opinion reads:-

This Assembly:

Regrets the vote by the European Parliament to remove Britain's working time directive opt-out

Notes with concern the removal will have on retained Fire-fighters across Wales and the consequences the removal may have on public health and safety

Notes that a considerable proportion of Fire-fighters are retained and the valuable service volunteer Fire-fighters provide

Notes that the Retained Fire-fighters Union opposes this removal and that if the opt-out is removed and RDS fire stations become unviable under the directive, 91% of the UK will lose valuable emergency fire cover

Notes the potentially fatal consequences for Welsh communities