FIREFIGHTERS across Essex have announced they are not working on New Year’s Eve after the latest round of national strikes were confirmed.

Members of the Fire Brigades’ Union walked out from stations across Essex from 6pm until 10pm on Friday and Saturday night.

And the strike over pensions and retirement age reforms will resume again from 7pm until midnight on Christmas Eve, 6.30pm on New Year’s Eve until 12.30am on New Year’s Day and from 6.30am until 8.30am on Friday, January 3.

Following the latest strike, Clacton-based union rep Aston Everett said: “It is unfortunate and with great regret we had to do this, but the Government and our employers are just not listening to our evidence and arguments about the proposals for pension changes.

“We picketed outside the station on both evenings and had plenty of support from members of the public.

“It is a last resort, but hopefully it will help our cause and make people aware of our ongoing battle.”

The strike was in protest over the plans to increase retirement age and increase the number of years firefighters have to work before becoming eligible for full pensions.

Back-up services have been put in place by the fire service to cover any incidents during the strike.