Praise for fire service

EAST Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) is celebrating after being officially acknowledged for its work in employing disabled people

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The Fire Service can now use the 'Two Ticks' symbol, which shows it is positive about disabled people.

The newly-awarded symbol is a recognition given by Job Centre Plus to employers who have agreed to take action to meet five commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career developments of disabled employees.

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The Fire Service has been advised by the Disability Rights Commission following recent changes to the Disability Discrimination Act and the inclusivity of firefighters.

The Act requires Fire Services throughout the country to consider recruiting people with disabilities.

This has always been the case with support roles in the Service, however this new approach is to include operational firefighters.

ESFRS has embraced the newly-awarded symbol as they are now able to send a clear message to the public that as a Service it promotes 'positive action' '“ a term that refers to positive work which helps to abolish stereotypes.

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The symbol will now be used on all ESFRS recruitment and selection documents.

By doing this, the Fire and Rescue Service will show the public of East Sussex how serious it is about the issue.

Chris Greenway, head of personnel services at ESFRS, said, "We are pleased to be awarded with the two ticks symbol.

"We aim to ensure all those applying for employment within the Service, and those already employed by the Service, are supported and treated fairly throughout the selection process and any future employment."

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The work that East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service undertook to gain permission to use the symbol included reviewing existing recruitment policies and proposing reasonable adjustments to make it easier to recruit people with disabilities.

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