Following high level discussions with the EMAS Senior Leadership Team around the proposal to significantly alter Fast Reponses Vehicle (FRV) cover in EMAS we have an important announcement.

The Trust after discussions with local divisional teams were set to introduce the proposed changes by early August 2025. Following objections from both GMB and Unison these implementations were delayed allowing an engagement process with affected staff.

Despite this pause both Trade Unions felt that the engagement was not meaningful, the proposal lacked depth and clear rationale.

We also felt that certain affected colleagues who have individual reasons for having a role on the FRV were not considered in the proposal.

The collective response was to have further meetings with the Trust asking highlighting these changes should fall under an organisational change process and be subject to a consultation with stakeholders.

The Trust has advised us today that following the discussions we have had and the challenges we have made that they will be writing to staff affected in the coming days to launch a formal consultation process.

We would like to assure our members that as of now the status quo will apply, no changes will be made to the working patters of anyone currently working on an FRV until such a time the consultation has concluded, and feedback addressed.

All affected colleagues will be invited to meetings to discuss the proposals along with being provided with detailed information relating to the proposed changs.

We would like to remind colleagues that they can request a 1-2-1 meeting with their line manager and have trade union representation.

We encourage involvement in this process and use this opportunity to put forward your points of view.

Kind Regards

GMB EMAS Unison EMAS