Nearly ten percent of London firefighters and control staff in isolation, says union

Nearly ten percent of London firefighters and control staff are in isolation, according to the Fire Brigades Union.

Figures show 472 out of 4,788 workers have had to self-isolate because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The union is calling for the government to roll out testing to allow those who do not have the virus to return to work.

Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack said that while crews were currently maintaining services, this would become “increasingly difficult” as the virus spreads.

Bedfordshire had the highest proportion of both firefighters and control room staff combined in isolation, 55 people – 12.2% of the 450 total.

Firefighters have already agreed to co-crew ambulances alongside paramedics as part of London's emergency medical response to coronavirus.

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