Firefighters cancel Bonfire Night strike

A Bonfire Night strike by firefighters in London has been called off by the Fire Brigades Union.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union are due to walk out for 47 hours from 10am tomorrow, leaving staff from a private firm to provide emergency cover.

But following a meeting of FBU leaders, it was announced that the union was proposing to cancel the strike.

The union called on the London Fire Brigade not to press ahead with any sackings of firefighters later this month if they do not accept new contracts, which include a new shift system.

The FBU urged the authority to delay a decision on the new contracts until the New Year.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "We have listened to the concerns about public safety, and we have watched the work of the private contractors who are supposed to protect Londoners with mounting concern."

The brigade has drawn up contingency plans to deal with the strike involving private firm AssetCo.

Around 27 fire engines would be used, based at nine sites across London, instead of the usual 150 vehicles.