Jersey Fire and Rescue Service overtime (FOI)

​Request

How much have the Fire Service spent on employee overtime in 2015, 2016 and 2017?

Response

Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (the Service) overtime costs are as follows:

• 2015 - £99,393

• 2016 - £180,212

• 2017 - £215,783

To clarify, these relate to actual costs charged for the 12 month periods in question and exclude any accruals at year end for anticipated costs to be applied the following month (ie overtime payments in January relate to the overtime hours worked during December).

A decrease in operational staff has reduced the Service’s capacity to manage sickness absences on the Watch. The Service has also seen a significant increase in firefighters placed on restricted duties through long term injury or illness. In both cases operational efficiency has been maintained through careful overtime management.

Although time off in lieu is offered as an alternative to paid overtime, during this three year period, the Service has seen a 13% increase in the election of cash payments.