FIREFIGHTERS in Hampshire will walk out on strike twice this weekend.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will take industrial action on Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 10pm.

The strikes will be the fifth and sixth to take place since the end of September, and are the result of a national dispute between the union and the Government over pensions and retirement ages.

The FBU says the Government’s changes could lead to firefighters losing their jobs if they fail fitness tests, with the retirement age set to rise from 55 to 60.

Ministers say the industrial action is “completely unnecessary”.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue has moved to reassure the public that emergency calls will be answered and responded to during the strikes.

A spokesman said: “We will remain in operation as usual throughout the period of industrial action and are calling for your assistance in reducing calls during that time.

“If you have an emergency dial 999 and we will we send an emergency response, but our level of response will be limited and may take longer than usual. Our response will focus on the highest risks to life.”