Mail on Sunday today.

[fbg40]

Evening all,
MoS today had several letters concerning Fireman having two jobs. As a retired London Fireman, it makes me angry. Nobody has bothered to mention that several Brigades utilise "Retained Fireman", who hold down full time jobs/trades. These retained Firemen get paid an annual retainer, drill night fees, turn out fees etc., and get paid a very reasonable amount. This is no different from a full time fireman having a second job - so what's the gripe ? There are also several MP's who also have secondary jobs - no doubt at a "very good" wage.
There, I've got it off my chest, goodnight !
FBG40

[Dris]

Strange?
I know a few retainers- coming from a small town -theyre all we have.They dont get paid a lot at all plus they have to have underdstanding bosses to allow them to down tools when theres a shout.
I dont get this guys gripe.They have set shifts.They can work another job around them.Retainers dont so thay have to work their main income around the Fire Service for not a lot.
All credit to the Retainers i say and can I say they do a brilliant job !!!

[fbg40]

Dris
Not complaining about retained FF's, just the MoS and some of it's readers being single minded.
Docspock - off to watch TV.
Goodnight again
FBG40