Firefighters are to receive tailor-made, research-backed health checks and monitoring aimed at improving their physical and mental health during and after service.
The Firefighters Concordat on Health and Wellbeing brings together government, fire and rescue services, employers and unions to improve prevention, early diagnosis and long-term support.
Cllr Mick Barton, Chair of the LGA’s Fire and Rescue Authority Committee, said: “We are pleased to see that the health and wellbeing of firefighters is being given the priority that these brave emergency workers deserve.
“This new concordat will support work between the fire minister and the Secretary of State for Health, with the full support of the sector via the Ministerial Advisory Group for Fire, ensuring a joined-up, evidence-based and focused support offer, which will work to directly support firefighters.
“However, as we build the evidence base on what interventions improve the long-term health and wellbeing of firefighters, the fire and rescue sector needs the funding to be able deliver better outcomes.