Firefighters in Havering are set for a two-hour strike this morning in a continuing row over pensions and retirement age.

The nationwide walkout will take place from 6-8am.

General secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), Matt Wrack, said: “Firefighters are keen for these issues to be resolved through discussion, but the government won’t even listen to its own evidence, which highlights that the schemes are unworkable and unaffordable.

“Firefighters want a pension scheme that takes account of the hazardous nature of the job as well as being affordable and workable for them and for the taxpayer.

“We hope these brief strikes will mean the government returns to negotiations so we can agree a sensible way forward.”

Firefighters from Havering’s four fire stations will walk out: Romford station, Pettits Lane North; Hornchurch station, North Street; Wennington station, Wennington Road and Harold Hill station, Ashton Road.

This is the third walk out after a four-hour strike, the first in a decade, at the end of September, and a four-and-a-half hour strike on Friday night.

Police confirmed a contingency level of fire and rescue services, consisting of up to 27 fire engines operated by trained contractors, is in place to deal with more serious incidents across all of the London boroughs.