'Overweight' firefighter sacked

Grampian Fire and Rescue says it has a "clear" and "fair" fitness policy

Trade union officials have criticised the treatment of a firefighter in Aberdeen who was sacked because he was overweight.

Firefighters in north east Scotland are threatening industrial action over the case of Kevin Ogilvie.

The Fire Brigades Union said Mr Ogilvie, who is in his 40s, should have been offered alternative duties.

Grampian Fire and Rescue said it had a clear fitness policy and had reached its decision after offering support.

FBU brigade secretary for the Grampian Region, Alan Paterson, said he believed it was the first case of its kind in Scotland.

He said: "As far as we are concerned the sanction is too severe and Kevin has not done anything wrong.

"Management tell us that these days the service is not just about splashing water on fires and there are all sorts of other positions, like educational roles and inspection work.

"There are other examples of individuals who have been redeployed to this type of work and I don't see why that can't have been done here."

The fitness of individuals within the service is of paramount importance and we have a fitness policy that is very clear and very fair in its application Peter Murray Assistant chief fire officer

Mr Paterson said the sacked firefighter had spent 22 years working for the service and had recently received a loyalty award.

"He just couldn't believe that. He's pretty cut up about the whole thing," he added.

An internal appeal by Mr Olgivie has been rejected. He now wants to appeal to the region's joint fire board.

However Grampian Fire and Rescue said such action could not be taken because the case was not considered a disciplinary matter.

Assistant chief fire officer Peter Murray said: "Any action that is taken as a consequence of an individual's fitness is taken after an arduous process of support and consideration.

"The fitness of individuals within the service is of paramount importance and we have a fitness policy that is very clear and very fair in its application.

"If over a period it reaches a point where the service feels there is no way forward despite all attempts to provide support, there needs to be a cut off."

The FBU plans to hold a mass meeting in Aberdeen later this month to discuss possible industrial action.