Record numbers of fire staff on long-term sick

The number of fire and rescue workers needing long-term sickness leave because of mental health problems has gone up by 30 per cent in six years.

Figures released to the BBC after a freedom of information request show that 780 people took long-term mental health leave last year, up from 600 in 2011-12. This year, 103 London fire workers have taken mental health leave, some of whom had worked at Grenfell Tower.

A Home Office spokesman said: “The Government has provided an additional £1.5million to pay for mental health support through Mind’s Blue Light Programme.”