update

[skreid]

I've just heard..

Even though the fire service has fire fighters in service who have P they still refuse to recruit me because I have it.

Finding it pretty hard to put in to words exactly how I'm feeling right now, but using this board usually helps..

:'(
Stu.

[Dani]

Hi Stu

I'm really sorry to hear that you weren't accepted. Lots of censors usually do the trick, I find!

We're all hear to listen to ya

Baby D

[SJ]

I am so sorry to hear about your news. I can truly empathise with you, as can everyone here. It is so naughty word (I swore there but the censor will have turned it into something that makes no sense whatsoever!) unfair, particularly, as you say, when there are people in the service who go on and develop P whilst in the job who don't get chucked out!

I wonder if it is worth sending a letter or many letters to your county HQ complaining in the strongest possible terms about the prejudice and discrimination you have have suffered? I doubt it will make any difference...but it might make you feel better?

Thing is, they can't say 'you have black/asian/chinese skin and therefore can't join even though you'd make a good firefighter' yet they can say 'you have red/flaky skin and therefore can't join...'. Surely there is very little difference and the end of the day? Your skin is being discriminated against!

If you do not get PA, you are not impeded by your P (like me) what the **** (did it again there!) has it got to do with your ability to do the job?

SJ

Fuminggggggggggggggggggggg.

[Alison]

so sorry m8,
in agreement wiv sj here, id defo write a letter , they are discriminating against you ,
p does not affect your ability to do the job

[Guy]

I've just heard..

Even though the fire service has fire fighters in service who have P they still refuse to recruit me because I have it.

Finding it pretty hard to put in to words exactly how I'm feeling right now, but using this board usually helps..

 :'(
Stu.

Have you thought of writing to the head of the fire service - either in your area - or nationally.  This kind of discrimination - if it actually legal - should be made clear to anyone thinking of applying to the dfire service so they don't have to go through what you've  been through.  They should be very upfront and say they don't take people with P, eczema, acne, rosecea etc.....

Guy (really pi&*ed off and angry)  

[Des]

Oh Stu, I'm so sorry :'( :'( :'(

I too think that being upfront with people and warning them beforehand whether they have a chance or not of being accepted, would be the only honest and decent thing to do   . I wonder whether there's any contact available where that could be said - I'm sure everyone here would back you up, I certainly would .

And another thing. I still don't understand WHY, why ON EARTH being a P sufferer should interfere with doing a good job as a firefighter?! ?! Or a policeman or a soldier for that matter?! ?!
I won't take the "they won't be able to cope with stress" explanation, because they would have to refuse anyone who's ever had gastritis, high blood pressure or tension headaches as well. And I'd be surprised if they did. Furthermore, they would have to fire people who got P after they got the job as well, which they clearly don't.
So that's absolute nuts.

So, WHY?!

Big hug to you, Stu

Des

[Dani]

well, it's official. W*nkers. Whoever it is who decides on these STUPID, HALF BAKED, F**CKED UP IDEAS!!!!

Dani be ranting and raving now. My first reply to this post was quite chillled out but I've gone away and thought about it.

SCREWING!

D

[skreid]

Cheers for your support guys n gals. It is appreiciated.

The situation is this:

The offical explanation is because I currently have P I can't join. no other reason has been give as to why. So I've asked for a written explaination as to exactly what duties of a fire fighter P stops me from performing.

The next step is to talk to my doctor and laywer about it. see if I do have a case for discrimination.

The way I see it, if they won't recruit me because they think I can't do the job because of my P then all the people who developed P after they joined up should be tarred with the same brush. They are not, they don't sack them as the Union would eat them for breakfast. So I think I have a strong case.

Its not over, I can appeal but its unlikely to change anything. Of course I still will appeal..


After feeling pretty good about things not just my p for the past 9 months, I've pretty much hit a low point now.. Anyone for a spare ladder I can borrow?

Still have to keep smiling.. thanks again for you support..  

Stu.

[IanH]

Hi Stu

I took the following from the Fire Service's own website so it appears to depend on how bad your p is rather than whether or not you have p.
Its also worth noting that these are home office requirements which apply to all UK fire brigades and so the brigade you applied to should have little or no discretion in this area.

Good luck if you take it further.

Ian


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What medical grounds could I fail on ?

The following conditions will exclude entry on medical grounds :-
Epilepsy or a history of faints, fits or blackouts, asthma, chronic bronchitis or other lung diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, psychiatric or nervous instability or illness. Lack of sense of smell (anosmia), menisectomy i.e. removal of cartilage from the knee joint, back injury or recurring musculo-skeletal disorders, skin disease e.g. eczema, psoriasis, if chronic and extensive, recurrent or chronic disease of the ears or nasal sinuses. Medical conditions such as hernia or varicose veins should be remedied before application is made.
These are requirements which are recommended by the Home Office on behalf of Parliament and not individual brigades, the above apply to all UK Fire Brigades.

[21fAus]

Hey thought this might be of some interest! I'm from Australia and I belong to a voluntary fire brigade.  Im not sure about the paid fire services, but as a volunteer anyone can join. i have pustular psoriasis which means that I am unable to do many things that all the other members can.  For example I am unable to turn out to incidents but I can still help around the station, help with admionistration, I can still be involved with training and do many things.  I am currently an Officer in the brigade and my P won't change that.  I would do what all the other people on here have suggested, write a letter and find out exactly why they are making the decision.