The FBU Podcast

Pay Offer 2026

Tam McFarlane is joined by FBU general secretary Steve Wright, and assistant general secretary Ben Selby to discuss the 2026 pay offer. Steve and Ben give a breakdown of the offer and provide context to the negotiations the FBU has been in with the NJC, including pay reform. The electronic ballot opens 15 June, and closes 2 July.  Make your voice heard - every vote counts!

The Killing of Palestinian Aid Workers

Earshot and Forensic Architecture used forensic audio analysis to investigate the killing of aid workers in Gaza, including firefighters. Their report and film, The Last Responders (2026), details evidence of what happened.  FBU National Officer, Tam McFarlane speaks with Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Director of Investigations at Earshot, and Jess Bernard, Trade Union Organiser for Palestine Solidarity Campaign, about the report and the wider context of the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

Red Notice #3: Cuts, Health and Safety, Women's TUC

FBU national officer Tam McFarlane speaks with national officer Adam Taylor, EC member for Oxfordshire Chris Wycherley, and National Women’s Committee Secretary Robyn Richardson.  Bringing you updates on the Health and Safety Summit, the Oxfordshire ballot against cuts, and the TUC Women’s Conference.

Cuts Kill

The fire service is an all-hazards emergency service. When someone calls 999, they deserve a rapid, fully staffed, fully equipped response. Nothing less. Oxfordshire FBU members, vote YES and return your consultative ballot on industrial action before 30 March. Available on all podcast platforms.

Anne's story: A firefighter's widow fighting for justice

In this special episode of the FBU podcast, national officer Adam Taylor speaks with Anne Davies, the widow of firefighter Jeff Simpson.  In 2018, Jeff was diagnosed with lung cancer and died. Anne is now fighting for a legal precedent that could see firefighters accessing regular health monitoring and compensation for occupational diseases.