Firefighters across Sussex are to strike again as part of an ongoing dispute with the Government over pensions.

Industrial action was confirmed yesterday and will take place between 9am on Tuesday, December 9, and 9am on December 10.

The decision follows almost three years of discussions over the options available to firefighters if they fail fitness tests as a result of declining fitness through age.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Firefighters are reluctantly calling further strike action as a direct result of the Westminster Government’s failure to listen and negotiate over pensions.

“We need to be clear. We are not going to give up or go away.

“Firefighters will fight for however long it takes to secure a fair pensions deal – this dispute will not end as long as the regulations remain unchanged.”

The strike only affects England as negotiations are ongoing in Scotland and Wales with a dispute lifted in Northern Ireland.

Both East and West Sussex fire and rescue services have said contingency crews will be on duty, ready to respond to emergencies, but that there will be reduced levels of cover.

The services have issuing a winter warning following and are asking people to do what they can to reduce the need to call 999.

The public is being advised to check their vehicles are roadworthy in the event of treacherous road conditions and drive carefully.

During extreme weather, the fire services have said they prioritise calls where lives may be at risk.

Gary Towson, a West Sussex Fire Service spokesman, said: “It’s disappointing that further strike action has been called and this does mean we will be operating with fewer firefighters and fire engines.”