Join the Lib Dem campaign to Keep the Opt-out for retained firefighters

We have a problem. We want to lobby the government about a threat to UK fire services and we need your help. Every signature on our petition is another voice: www.keeptheoptout.com

THE PROBLEM:

Retained firefighters usually have full-time jobs outside the fire service. As a second job, they spend up to 120 hours per week "on-call" - in their own homes or at their regular workplaces, but there if we need them in emergencies.

An EU Directive limits working hours to 48 per week - and this includes the time retained firefighters spend on call. Up to now, British workers have been able to opt out of the Directive. That right is about to be taken away.

Unless something is done, dozens of fire stations will have to offer reduced services.

"For some people, especially in rural areas, those firefighters on call can mean the difference between life and death" - Tavish Scott, Leader Scottish Liberal Democrats

THE SOLUTION:

We need to allow retained firefighters to go on serving their communities. We have to persuade the governments in London and Edinburgh to ensure that implementation will allow the continued operation of a fire service with retained firefighters at its heart.

And we need public opinion to back us up. That's where you come in.

By signing our petition you can add to the pressure. Every signature makes it more likely that we can persuade the government to keep the firefighters' opt-out clause - and keep our firefighting service full-time: www.keeptheoptout.com

Don't forget - every signature really does help.