FIREFIGHTERS across Hampshire have this morning begun a 24-hour strike in the latest round of action against the Government's proposed pension scheme.

More than 40 of the county's firefighters are expected to travel to London for a rally and to question Hampshire MPs about the “unworkable” scheme.

The nationwide walkouts began at 7am over proposals to have firefighters work until they are 60 - instead of 55 - and fears over lower pensions. Plans the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) describe as “unfairly penalising” firefighters.

Fire minister and Portsmouth MP Penny Mordaunt promised to ensure over 55s who lose fitness through no fault of their own will either get support to regain fitness or they will be redeployed or allowed to retire with an unreduced pension.

But the FBU say fire authorities across the UK told them they would not implement it and they say Government ministers have ignored requests to meet and resolve the dispute.

It comes less than six weeks before the scheme comes into force.

Penny Mordaunt wrote to the union yesterday: “With fire and rescue authorities developing and adopting the right fitness and workforce management policies, based on the principles set out in the National Framework, I am confident that firefighters will be able to work to 60.

“But I recognise the need to have a safeguard in place for those who fear this might prove not to be the case.”

She said the scheme will be reviewed after three years.