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Firefighters stage four-hour strike in pensions row Firefighters stage four-hour strike in pensions row
(about 7 hours later)
Firefighters in England and Wales are due to strike for four hours from midday in a dispute over pensions.Firefighters in England and Wales are due to strike for four hours from midday in a dispute over pensions.
Unions say it is a "warning shot to the government" over members' anger about making them work until they are 60.Unions say it is a "warning shot to the government" over members' anger about making them work until they are 60.
Ministers say the action is unnecessary and the pension offer is one of the most generous in the public sector.Ministers say the action is unnecessary and the pension offer is one of the most generous in the public sector.
Each of the 46 local fire services in England and three in Wales have contingency plans to provide cover and 999 calls will be answered.Each of the 46 local fire services in England and three in Wales have contingency plans to provide cover and 999 calls will be answered.
Firefighters in Scotland will not be joining the strike but could take action at a later date.Firefighters in Scotland will not be joining the strike but could take action at a later date.
The contingency arrangements vary: in some areas non-unionised fire crews will step in and greater use will be made of part-time and volunteer firefighters.The contingency arrangements vary: in some areas non-unionised fire crews will step in and greater use will be made of part-time and volunteer firefighters.
Private contractors will be used by a handful of services, including in London and Surrey.Private contractors will be used by a handful of services, including in London and Surrey.
The armed forces have a back-up role and in the event of a major incident union members can return to work.The armed forces have a back-up role and in the event of a major incident union members can return to work.
Ian Hayton, chief fire officer from Cleveland Fire Brigade, said he had extra resources available in the case of a major incident.
"We've got the opportunity to call in our neighbouring brigades, to call in their resources," he told the BBC. "On the back of that, there is a reserve military reserve I can call upon in relation to major incidents as well."
Paul Fuller, head of the Bedfordshire Fire Service, warned it would not be "business as usual".
"Whilst we will be able to respond to emergency incidents, the response we would expect to be rather slower than the public would normally expect," he said.
BBC local government correspondent Mike Sergeant said many full-time firefighters were likely to strike.BBC local government correspondent Mike Sergeant said many full-time firefighters were likely to strike.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) claims many firefighters will not be fit enough to work to the retirement age of 60, and says they could lose thousands of pounds a year if they retire early.The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) claims many firefighters will not be fit enough to work to the retirement age of 60, and says they could lose thousands of pounds a year if they retire early.
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "This initial strike is a warning shot to government.FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "This initial strike is a warning shot to government.
"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."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."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.""None of us want a strike but we cannot compromise on public and firefighter safety."
The government says the offer to firefighters is one of the "most generous in the public sector" and brings their pension age into line with the police and armed forces.The government says the offer to firefighters is one of the "most generous in the public sector" and brings their pension age into line with the police and armed forces.
Fire minister Brandon Lewis said: "Now that the Fire Brigades Union is pressing ahead with this unnecessary and avoidable strike, maintaining public safety is our first priority.Fire minister Brandon Lewis said: "Now that the Fire Brigades Union is pressing ahead with this unnecessary and avoidable strike, maintaining public safety is our first priority.
"I can reassure the public that all fire and rescue authorities in England and Wales have robust contingency plans in place."I can reassure the public that all fire and rescue authorities in England and Wales have robust contingency plans in place.
"Incidents and call-outs are at an historical low - but in the event of a fire, the advice to people remains the same: 'Get out, stay out and call 999'; you will get an emergency response.""Incidents and call-outs are at an historical low - but in the event of a fire, the advice to people remains the same: 'Get out, stay out and call 999'; you will get an emergency response."
A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government: "The government will be closely monitoring the situation throughout and has a strategic back-up it can deploy if needed."A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government: "The government will be closely monitoring the situation throughout and has a strategic back-up it can deploy if needed."