DORSET will be hit again by further strikes by firefighters.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced two more strike dates as part of an ongoing dispute with the government over pensions.

The dates of the walkouts are Thursday, June 12 at 9am for 24 hours and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, June 21.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service says it will again be providing a reduced emergency response during the action.

Chief fire officer Darran Gunter said: “As with the previous strikes we will once again be putting our contingency arrangements in place.

“We are disappointed the FBU and the Government have not been able to come to an agreement about the firefighters pension scheme at this stage. It is important to stress that this is a national dispute.”

He added: “We have put plans in place to ensure Dorset Fire and Rescue is able to respond to incidents, but we would ask members of the public to take extra steps to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in their home. We will continue to work with all our partners locally to ensure businesses; homes and our environment can be kept as safe as possible from fire during these periods of industrial action.”

The strike action relates to a dispute between the FBU and government over the government’s reforms to the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme.

For further information visit dorsetfire.gov.uk or for fire safety advice call 01305 252600.