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The fire and rescue sector is facing an escalating mental health crisis, and without immediate government intervention, the wellbeing of these critical workers—and the safety of the public they serve—will remain at grave risk, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) warned today.
New data paints a troubling picture. Over the past three years, 458 staff members in Greater Manchester Fire Service have taken time off due to mental health struggles. Conditions such as work-related stress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD are driving these absences, according to figures obtained by Accident Claims Advice (ACA).
The situation is worsening. In 2021-22, 10 percent of staff who took mental health-related leave left the service entirely. By the following year, this figure more than doubled, with 22 percent departing. These numbers reflect not only the severe toll on individual firefighters but also the broader systemic issue of inadequate mental health support within the sector.
FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack did not mince words, stating, “The fire service is facing a mental health crisis.” He highlighted that mental health provision across the service remains inconsistent, leaving many workers to struggle alone. “After a decade of cuts to the fire and rescue service, firefighters are being pushed beyond limits to keep the public safe,” Wrack continued. “Responding to life-or-death situations without adequate resources is intensely stressful.”
This crisis cannot be separated from the broader austerity measures that have decimated the fire and rescue sector over the past decade. Years of funding cuts have stripped services to the bone, leaving crews overworked, under-resourced, and burdened with the emotional weight of their life-saving roles. Firefighters often find themselves responding to harrowing situations with little or no time for recovery or support.
Yet despite the clear evidence that workers are struggling, mental health support remains patchy and underfunded. The lack of consistent, accessible resources for fire and rescue staff compounds the issue, creating a cycle of burnout and attrition that undermines the very foundation of public safety.
This is not just a workplace issue—it is a public safety concern. Firefighters and rescue workers are society’s first line of defense in emergencies. Their ability to perform their roles effectively hinges on their mental and physical wellbeing. When they suffer, the public suffers.
The government must act decisively. Investment in mental health support for firefighters and rescue workers should not be seen as optional but as a fundamental component of a functioning emergency response system. Rebuilding the fire and rescue service requires both the funding to restore staffing levels and the creation of robust, nationwide mental health provisions. Anything less is a disservice to the brave individuals who risk their lives daily—and to the communities they serve.
This crisis did not arise overnight, nor will it be resolved without sustained commitment and action. The time for excuses and piecemeal solutions is over. The government must prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of fire and rescue workers, recognizing that a strong, resilient workforce is the backbone of public safety.
Report from Pat Harrington
