The government has announced a new Firefighters Concordat on Health and Wellbeing that will offer “tailor-made, research-backed health support” for firefighters during and after their service
As detailed in a press release from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the purpose of the initiative is to “drive improvements in prevention, early diagnosis, and support” when it comes to firefighter health and wellbeing.
Described as a “prevention first” strategy, under the new agreement, firefighters will receive consistent and regular health checks, with the government also funding research into the hazards they face. The funding will enable the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to build an evidence base on a range of health risks, including cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal conditions, mental wellbeing, and awareness of cancer risks.
“The potential dangers associated with tackling burning buildings, mounting rescues, and attending road traffic incidents are well documented, but there is little research in the UK into the long-term effects of working within the service.”
Speaking at the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) on 16 April 2026, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“Firefighters run towards danger knowing full well the risks they face during an emergency, but we know very little about how the speed and courage of their work impacts their health.
“That is because for too long their concerns have been ignored – but this new agreement promises to change things: to boost funding for research that is well overdue, and work in partnership with firefighters and their unions, alongside employers and fire chiefs, to better protect and support them in the long term.
“We cannot continue to ask people to give everything in service of others and then fail them when they need help themselves.”
The Firefighters Concordat on Health and Wellbeing will be delivered through a working group established under the Ministerial Advisory Group on Fire and Rescue Reform. Welcoming the initiative, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Phil Garrigan, said:
“Supporting further research and building a stronger evidence base will be vital to improving understanding of occupational risk and ensuring firefighters receive appropriate, timely support throughout their careers. NFCC will continue to work constructively with partners across the sector, including through the ministerial advisory group, to advance firefighter health and wellbeing.
“Those who protect our communities deserve the highest possible standards of care and protection in return,” Garrigan added.
Steve Wright, General Secretary of the FBU, also welcomed the government’s commitment to increase health monitoring for firefighters, calling it an “important step forward” and one that “reflects the constructive work” between the union and the government.
“Our members put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public, often in extremely challenging and dangerous conditions. It is right that their health and safety is recognised and taken seriously.
“Today’s commitment is an important milestone, and we are pleased to see this progress being made.”