I was looking through the news pages and found this, interesting?
Friday, 18 May 2007, 15:59 GMT
Reprieved firemen face new threat
Two firemen sacked for moonlighting but then reprieved on appeal are facing a fresh threat of dismissal.
Safety inspector Paul Williams, of Hillingdon Borough, and Andrew Slater, of Hayes Fire Station, were initially sacked for setting up a consultancy.
A High Court judge said no adequate reasons were given when Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott reprieved them.
Mr Justice Stanley Burnton upheld a challenge by the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA).
Disobedience of orders
In literature for the firemen's business, Safesmart Ltd, Mr Williams was described as managing director and Mr Slater as operations director.
The company was said to be run by "current fire officers".
As well as safety inspections, it provided fire safety training and equipment.
Both men were charged with disobeying orders, with Mr Williams also charged with improper practice in using or attempting to use his position with the fire brigade for private advantage.
Mr Williams had been given dispensation to work outside his role, but only if it did not fall within the authority's area. Mr Slater had not sought permission.
Appeals had been dismissed by LFEPA's Discipline and Appeals Committee, but further appeals to Mr Prescott's office, considered by Parliamentary Under-secretary of State Jim Fitzpatrick MP, led to the reprieve.
At the latest court hearing, LFEPA said the men were guilty of a gross and flagrant breach of the rules.
"The public must be able to trust firefighters. The fire service is a uniformed service like the police," said Michael Supperstone QC.
"Because of the nature of the authority's statutory responsibilities and powers, it is essential that fire officers act with discipline and integrity."
The judge agreed the offences were "very serious indeed".
After Friday's judgement, the case will go back to the current Secretary of State, Ruth Kelly, who will take into account the judge's ruling.
No indication of leave of appeal for the two firemen has been given.
