Published rate versus entitlement
A pay table tells you the monetary rate; the Grey Book and local agreement tell you when it applies. Extra hours, recalled duty, duty-system changes and public-holiday work should not be treated as interchangeable without checking the relevant clause.
Keep the roster, authorisation and payslip period for any disputed payment. Payroll may process extra hours a month behind, and a rate change can create a separate arrears line.
How to audit a payment
Identify the role and pay point on the date worked. Note the paid duration after any unpaid break, then multiply hours by the rate the service says applies. Compare the gross figure before looking at tax; PAYE deductions do not determine whether the gross overtime was correct.
Why online multiplier claims can mislead
Fire services operate under national and local arrangements. A generic statement that all rest days, bank holidays or short-notice changes attract one universal multiplier can be wrong. Use a custom-rate calculator when your policy or payslip supplies the actual enhancement.
Frequently asked questions
Is firefighter overtime always time-and-a-half?
The NJC table publishes a 1.5x overtime rate for roles up to station manager, but entitlement for a specific circumstance must be checked against the applicable agreement.
Is overtime pensionable?
Not every overtime payment is pensionable. Check your scheme and local payroll treatment.