Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has opened recruitment for firefighters for the first time since 2012 – and attracted 200 applications in the first six hours.
The service has launched a drive for around 35 wholetime firefighters which will run until March 18 – or at the point it receives 500 applications – after an increasing number of retirements and leavers left it facing a potentially serious shortfall in numbers.
After launching early on Monday morning the appeal had attracted 200 applications online – with another 200 in the process of being completed.
A spokesman for the service said the huge demand raised the prospect the drive could be shut within a day of opening, as the 500 point could be reached by Tuesday lunchtime (March 6).
It comes after a staffing report last year warned more firefighters who are eligible are opting to retire early aged 50 with 25 years’ service, contributing to a total of around 71 potential leavers by the end of March 2019.
The service has an operational workforce total of around 470.
Initially the service expected to be able to fill vacancies by other measures including inter-service transfers, but has since opted to open recruitment to the general public for the first time since 2012.
The window opened on Monday (March 5) and will be open until March 18 but will close sooner if applications reach 500 – such is the expected level of interest.
“We need people from all backgrounds, and with a range of skills, to apply to help us serve our diverse communities – whether they’ve previously thought about a career with us or not,” said Tracy Crump, the Service’s Head of People and Organisational Development.
“For anybody considering applying – if you’re a practical problem solver; somebody who can stay calm and focused when under pressure; a good team player and generally somebody who wants to help create safer communities, then our message is clear – yes you can join our team.”
She added: “Our crews don’t just fight fires, they rescue people who are stuck in road traffic collisions, at height and in water. They rescue animals and deal with flooding and dangerous structures too. But, above all, they do a great deal of work within their local communities to educate people on how to stay safe.”
The Fire Brigades Union had backed the idea of an open recruitment drive after budget cuts meant the service reduced its number of firefighters by not replacing some firefighters who had retired.
Having already made substantial cuts, the service still needs to find savings of £2.25 million by 2019 to balance its budget.
