Fire and Rescue Services National Employers
Local Government Association,
18 Smith Square, Westminster,
London, SW1P 3HZ
Telephone 020 7187 7335
e-mail: [email protected]
Employers’ Secretary, Sarah Ward
Direct Dial: 020 7187 7335
Website: www.local.gov.uk
To: Chief fire officers
Chief executives/Clerks to fire authorities
Chairs of fire authorities
Directors of human resources
CC: Members of the Employers’ Side of the NJC
11 May 2026
Circular EMP/3/26
Pay 2026 – National Employers Consultation Survey
Dear colleagues,
As explained in our recent consultation meetings, the National Employers are seeking the views of the sector to inform decisions on pay negotiations this year. As has been reported, the NJC agreed at the February Joint Council meeting to continue focusing on pay and role reform, and to seek to agree a ‘fair and credible’ pay award for Grey Book employees. Noting that ‘fair and credible’ has to work for both sides, and that the external context has become more challenging, your views are absolutely critical.
Therefore, the National Employers are seeking your views in the form of an online survey. Please note that this survey is to inform the National Employers, and individual responses will be kept in absolute confidence.
We welcome one response per FRS/FRA, so please consult, particularly with your CFO/Chair in advance of submitting your response. To assist with this, we have enclosed a document at Appendix A with the survey questions within the survey launch email for ease of reference. Please note that we will not accept PDF responses to the survey; only responses submitted electronically via MS Forms will be considered.
The survey is open until Friday 15 May, 12.00 noon, and can be accessed at: National Employers Pay Consultation 2026 – Fill in the form
As always, colleagues can also be kept up to date via our web pages
Yours faithfully,
Sarah Ward
Employers’ side secretary