UNISON BULLETIN – EMAS FRV CHANGES
FRV Cuts Announced Without Consultation – UNISON Opposes This Decision
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has announced a major change to its frontline response model—proposing to remove approximately 50% of Fast Response Vehicles (FRVs) across the Trust’s operational area by August 2025.
Although staff currently working on FRVs will retain their job roles and shift patterns, they will instead be assigned to Double Crewed Ambulances (DCAs) with relief staff. The Trust claims this does not constitute a formal role change and has therefore not initiated a consultation process.
UNISON strongly disagrees with both the content and the process of this change.
This Is an Organisational Change – Consultation Is Required
The removal of such a significant portion of FRVs constitutes an organisational change, and under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, trade unions mustbe consulted.
Despite this legal obligation, neither UNISON nor GMB—the two main unions within EMAS— were fully consulted in advance. This lack of advance transparency and engagement is unacceptable.
We are therefore standing in full solidarity with our colleagues in GMB. Both unions have agreed to work together to challenge this decision and ensure that staff concerns are represented robustly and collectively.
Key Concerns Raised by UNISON
UNISON has formally written to the Trust outlining serious concerns about the decision, including:
1. Lack of Meaningful Consultation
2. Risks to Patient Safety
3. Strategic Inconsistency
4. Staff Wellbeing and Morale
Our Position: UNISON Stands with You!
This change was imposed without consultation and with no clear justification. We believe it could risk both patient safety and staff wellbeing, while undermining the integrity of operational planning.
UNISON does not support the reduction in FRVs, nor the process by which this change has been implemented. We call on the Trust to:
- Suspend the rollout of this change.
- Share all risk and impact assessments.
- Begin formal consultation with recognised unions.
- Engage openly and transparently with staff and their representatives.
What You Can Do
If you are affected by this decision or have concerns, we strongly encourage you to:
- Speak to your local rep.
- Share your feedback, experiences, and questions with us.
- Ask for union representation in any local management discussions.
- Stay informed and united—we will continue to fight for your voice to be heard.
Together, we are stronger.
We are committed to ensuring that this decision is challenged, that your safety and wellbeing are prioritised, and that all future changes are made with the consultation and respect you deserve.
Contact UNISON EMAS Branch
📧 enquiries@unisonemas.org.uk
🌐 www.unisonemas.org.uk
In Solidarity,
UNISON
EDIT – Since the release of this communication the trust have responded to our letter and we are taking time to process this and will respond to our members in due course.
Posted: 2nd July 2025