FIREFIGHTERS will strike again later this month after announcing a further eight day period of action.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said current retirement proposals remain unworkable after further meetings with the Westminster government.

The strikes will take place over eight days from Saturday, August 9, until Saturday, August 16, between noon and 2pm and 10.59pm and 11.59pm.

The union said current proposals would mean if firefighters opt for early retirement, their pension would drop by an “unacceptably high” margin.

Its general secretary Matt Wrack said: “It is absolutely ludicrous that a government can impose a scheme which means that firefighters will have to ride engines and rescue people from fires up to age 60.

“This is unsafe and unrealistic for both firefighters and the public.”

The Department for Communities and Local Government had not responded with a comment on the action by yesterday afternoon.