Firefighters plan eight more walkouts

The strikes will take place for eight days from until Saturday 16 August between noon and 2pm and 11pm to midnight.

The FBU union says current proposals in England and Wales are still “unworkable” and mean that firefighters will still face dismissal simply because they cannot maintain the high physical fitness requirements necessary for their role until they are age 60.

The proposals would also mean that if firefighters opt for early retirement, the reduction in their pension would be unacceptably high.

Proposals incorporating flexible retirement options should be included in an improved offer for the FBU for its members to consider, the union argues.

The government maintains that the action by the FBU is “completely futile and counterproductive” to the interests of their members and the public.