Fire strikes halted after talks

Talks will now be held with the conciliation service Acas

The latest strikes by South Yorkshire firefighters have been called off after breakthrough talks between fire managers and union officials.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said it had called off industrial action over shift time changes after fire chiefs agreed to bring in mediators Acas.

A strike due to take place on Wednesday has now been cancelled, as has further action planned for later in the month.

The fire authority said it hoped to "work positively" with the union.

FBU regional secretary Ian Murray said: "There is a cessation of all industrial action, which will be finalised when Acas terms of reference have been agreed by both sides.

"South Yorkshire firefighters would like to thank the public for their unswerving support and understanding."

The FBU's Matt Wrack describes the impact of the strikes

Chief fire officer Mark Smitherman said: "I must thank the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority members who have stood firm in the face of considerable pressures in their resolve to improve the safety of the public and firefighters of South Yorkshire."

The decision to call off the latest strikes was made after a meeting between the FBU and the fire authority on Wednesday.

The dispute broke out after 744 employees were threatened with the sack if they did not accept new employment contracts to work 12-hour day and night shifts.

The fire authority wanted crews to work the new shifts in place of the current nine-hour days and 15-hour nights.

New proposal

But firefighters argued this would present families with a range of problems, including childcare arrangements.

The FBU said it had now put forward a proposal for crews to work 10-hour day shifts and 14-hour night shifts, which would have less of an impact on working parents and carers.

It added that the threat of dismissal had been dropped by the fire authority.

The fire authority said it "remained absolutely committed" to 12-hour shifts but had agreed to enter into binding arbitration.

Mr Smitherman added: "The FBU have shown today that they can accept changes for the benefit of public and firefighter safety and that is an important step. Change is inevitable over the coming years."