Firefighters and control staff in Essex are set to strike for a second time over what they say is a radically changed shift system, working conditions and cuts.

The strike will begin at 6pm on Sunday and will continue until 9am on Monday.

It comes a month after firefighters and control staff in Essex last took strike action as part of the local dispute.

Alan Chinn-Shaw, secretary of the FBU in Essex, said: “This situation isn’t going away, it’s only getting worse.

“Firefighters and control staff need their genuine concerns to be considered when any further changes are implemented in the service."

The union have offered to meet Essex fire service negotiators today and over the weekend to attempt to reach a position whereby the strike could be averted.