FIREFIGHTERS will not be striking tomorrow as feared. 

Members of the Fire Brigades Union had planned to down tools for five hours between 6.30pm and 11.30pm over proposed changes to their pensions.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Richard Lawrence from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are pleased to hear that positive dialogue has been taking place between the Government and the FBU, with the result that this specific period of strike action has been postponed.

“The Service’s business continuity arrangements for this period of strike action have therefore been put on hold but remain ready to be implemented should the circumstances require.”

The union said the Government’s proposals will see firefighters work for longer, pay more into their pensions and receive less when they retire.

The plans will also increase the retirement age to 60.