Strike threat over fire job cuts

A union has warned of strike action after learning that 40 support jobs at the London fire authority will be axed.

The GMB, which represents hundreds of staff, said it would hold a ballot for industrial action unless the threat of redundancy was removed.

GMB official Ted Purcell said the union was "stunned" that redundancy notices had been issued.

The chair of the Fire and Emergency Planning Authority said compulsory redundancies were not anticipated.

Councillor Brian Coleman added: "As part of the budget process and in line with the Mayor's priorities, the Authority is looking at a number of savings which may include the removal of 28 posts.

"There are no supposed cuts to frontline services and full consultations with staff are taking place."