FIREFIGHTERS in Hampshire will strike on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced.

Strikes will take place between 7pm and midnight on Tuesday, December 24, 6.30pm and 12.30am on New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, and between 6.30am and 8.30am on January 3.

They are striking in a row with the Government over pensions.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Firefighters provide a first-class standard of service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and these strikes will remind Government just how reliant they are on our members’ professionalism, commitment and flexibility.

“However, there should be no need for industrial action, and it’s absurd that fire fighters’ concerns over pensions have not been addressed already.

“By simply conceding to common sense and allowing firefighters a fair deal, the Government could end this industrial action today.”