By Louise Hosie
Press Association Scotland
GRAMPIAN, Scotland — A long-serving firefighter who was given three months to get fit amid claims he was overweight has been sacked, it emerged today.
Kevin Ogilvie was originally dismissed by Grampian Fire and Rescue Service last year following concerns over his health.
He was later reinstated and given a 12-week stay of execution in order to meet fitness targets.
Mr Ogilvie, who has been a firefighter for 22 years, had his contract terminated this week, after failing to meet the standards demanded by his employers.
He was said to be “devastated’’ by the decision.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Scotland said it was “very disappointed’’ with the service.
Its members are understood to be considering industrial action over the matter and plan to raise the issue at a meeting of the Grampian Joint Fire and Rescue Board tomorrow.
Mr Ogilvie, who is in his 40s and from Aberdeen, is believed to be the first firefighter in Scotland to be dismissed due to his weight.
FBU Scotland spokesman Alan Paterson said: “Mr Ogilvie has not reached the weight and aerobic capacity targets which we have always stated were unreasonable and unrealistic.
“He has lost weight, but not at the rate determined by the service.
“We find the decision very disappointing and unnecessary. This has devastated Mr Ogilvie. He only had three years to go in his job.
“We will be bringing up the issue at tomorrow’s meeting.’'
Peter Murray, assistant chief fire officer with the service, said: “The fire service agreed Mr Ogilvie’s employment could continue, provided he met a standard of improved fitness.
“Sadly, that standard was not achieved, as laid out in an agreement with ourselves, the union and the mediation service Acas.
“We have had to terminate his contract as a result of the failure to achieve that fitness standard which was agreed.’'
He added: “The service has a standard of fitness that is required for staff to perform their jobs properly and to meet health and safety requirements.’'
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