The Government has announced proposals to strengthen support for the long-term health and wellbeing of firefighters, alongside new investment in research to better understand the occupational risks associated with the role.

Speaking at the Fire Brigades Union conference, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting outlined plans to introduce a Firefighters’ Concordat on Health and Wellbeing. This initiative will bring together key stakeholders across the fire sector to deliver a more coordinated and consistent approach to workforce health.

While the immediate risks of firefighting are widely recognised, there remains a lack of robust UK-based evidence on the long-term health impacts. The proposed concordat aims to address this gap by prioritising prevention, earlier intervention, improved health monitoring and a stronger evidence base to inform decision-making.

As part of this commitment, the Government will fund new research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research. This will focus on key areas including mental health, musculoskeletal conditions, cancer and cardiovascular disease, with additional attention given to underrepresented groups such as women.

The proposals also support wider ambitions set out in the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan, including improving access to NHS services such as mental health support, cancer screening and musculoskeletal care. Plans to record occupation within NHS data are intended to further support clinicians in assessing risk and delivering appropriate care.

“We have been clear that prevention, early intervention and consistent standards are key. Work to strengthen contamination controls, improve facilities and enhance health monitoring must be informed by the best available evidence and applied consistently across all fire and rescue services.

“Supporting further research and building a stronger evidence base will be vital to improving understanding of occupational risk and ensuring firefighters receive appropriate, timely support throughout their careers. NFCC will continue to work constructively with partners across the sector, including through the Ministerial Advisory Group, to advance firefighter health and wellbeing.”

Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council

Building Safety Minister Samantha Dixon described the agreement as a long-term commitment to better understand and address the risks firefighters face, while Steve Wright, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said the move reflected constructive collaboration between government and the union.

He added that increased health monitoring marked an important step forward in recognising the risks firefighters take and ensuring their safety is properly supported.

Overall, the concordat is expected to enhance collaboration between government, fire and rescue services, representative bodies and employers, helping to ensure firefighters are better supported throughout and beyond their careers.

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