Firefighters are planning to strike on Wednesday (Sept 25) because they say the government “refuses to compromise” over pensions.
Pic: Ann MacGillivray

The strike will take place for four hours, between noon and 4pm.

“This initial strike is a warning shot to government,” said Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary. “Firefighters could not be more serious about protecting public safety and ensuring fair pensions. Governments in Westminster and Cardiff have simply refused to see sense on these issues.

“It is ludicrous to expect firefighters to fight fires and rescue families in their late-50s: the lives of the general public and firefighters themselves will be endangered.

“None of us want a strike, but we cannot compromise on public and firefighter safety.”

But quoted by the BBC, Fire Minister Brandon Lewis called the decision by the FBU to take strike action "unnecessary and avoidable", and said the offer to firefighters "is one of the most generous public service pensions available".

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is reassuring the public that emergency calls will be answered and responded to during the industrial action, but is urging the public to “be vigilant during the planned strike periods to help reduce unnecessary calls and take extra precautions to prevent fires in their own homes and businesses”.