FIREFIGHTERS are warning Hampshire employers that they face jail if they haven't adapted to major coming changes in fire safety laws.

The new laws, which come into force this weekend, put fire safety responsibility squarely with employers.

The changes render existing fire certificates null and void and bosses of Hampshire's 40,000 commercial premises will no longer be able to rely on them.

Instead, they will have to carry out a fire risk assessment. If they fail to make an adequate assessment or to take sufficient fire safety measures and a fire breaks out, they risk hefty fines, a prison sentence in the case of individuals, or both.

Steve Hamm, of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Businesses across the county have a duty to protect the health and safety of their staff.

"We urge all firms, large and small, to check that they have the necessary steps in place to protect their staff and premises from the risk of fire for the sake of both their workers and the viability of their business."

Contact the business fire safety team on 023 8065 2472 or log on to www.hantsfire.gov.uk for further information.