EMP circular 4/26 - National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services 'Grey Book' pay offer

The National Employers have made a pay offer of 3.80 per cent to the employees’ side of the NJC. A copy of the offer letter is attached at appendix A and is provided for information. We understand that the Fire Brigades Union intends to ballot its members with a recommendation to accept this offer.

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

4 June 2026

Dear colleagues

Circular EMP/4/26

National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services “Grey Book” Pay Offer

  1. The National Employers have made a pay offer of 3.80 per cent to the employees’ side of the NJC. A copy of the offer letter is attached at appendix A and is provided for information. We understand that the Fire Brigades Union intends to ballot its members with a recommendation to accept this offer.
  2. At the February NJC meeting it was agreed to delegate pay discussions to the joint secretaries with the aim of reaching a pay settlement on a fair and credible basis. As such, the FBU chose not to submit a pay claim letter.
  3. In reaching this offer, the National Employers have considered FRS budgetary information via our consultation of services, economic forecasts, and other indicators on pay.  As always, the National Employers continue to be acutely aware of the financial challenges Fire and Rescue Services continue to face, and this point has been emphasised during negotiations.  
  4. The National Employers would like to thank all colleagues who have participated in our consultation process and helped to shape the approach taken this year. We will issue further updates at the close of the FBU consultation of members.  
  5. It is the intention of the NJC that following any agreement being reached, the important work of pay structure reform continues at pace.
  6. For more information, please refer to our pay reform webpages.

Yours sincerely,

Sarah Ward
National Employers’ side secretary