Fire service needs 300 women

More than 300 women firefighters need to be recruited in the West Midlands by 2010 to meet government equality targets.

Currently there are 64 women firefighters employed by West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority.

This is compared to a figure of 1,926 "uniformed" male firefighters. The authority gives as an example West Bromwich where out of 72 based at the fire station, five are women. The Government has set an employment target of 15 per cent for female firefighters by 2010.

In the West Midlands, that means that 315 are needed to hit the target.

Most women working in the fire service are classed as "non-uniformed", carrying out jobs including administration and mechanical work on the vehicles, as well as IT support.

There are 411 in these roles in the West Midlands, compared to 206 men.

In the fire control centre, where calls to the service are dealt with, there are 73 women compared to three men.

A statement issued by the authority says: "Addressing the under-representation of female firefighters is a significant priority for the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority.

"As a result, we have put mechanisms in place to help us monitor progress in the achievement of this target," it adds.

"In discharging our general and specific duties, we will continue to monitor the composition of our workforce by gender.

"This will be carried out in accordance with the Equality and Human Rights Commission," the statement says.

Fire service bosses now plan to target recruitment initiatives towards women.

They are planning to link up with women's sports teams, such as those playing football and rugby, as a means of attracting interest.

Women recruitment campaigns on the radio are also planned.