FIREFIGHTERS are considering going on strike after a row over job cuts broke out between the Fire Brigades' Union and Essex Fire and Rescue Service.

Following a meeting on June 8 between union representatives and EFRS bosses, firefighters saying they are now waiting to hear the response to their concerns.

They say they will ballot their members on June 25 if they are not happy with the outcome.

Fire Brigade Union representative Paul Adams said: "Whilst they gave us some assurances on some internal matters, training etc, there are still much bigger issues on a lot of things- especially job cuts."

While the job cuts will not directly affect the Epping Forest District - they could mean retained firefighters being forced to stand outside burning buildings while waiting for full time staff to come from Harlow.

He added: "The basic thing is there will still be the same number of appliances, but less properly trained people to operate them."

"If we're paying the same or slightly more council tax for our firefighters, where is that money being spent?"

"There's been a 40 percent increase in back room staff, like people that work in the press office, but there's no more money for the people who actually put their lives on the line."

If we require an aerial platform,which we use in house fires we'll have to wait for less trained people to come across from Harlow "time is of the essence when you're talking about fires, minutes do make the difference between life and death."

"we have asked for permission to hold a ballot, with a view to possible industrial action if our concerns are not met."

"we feel we have to stick up for our service- we were told a few years ago that Essex would be the best fire service in the country and while we're a very well respected service all that will go away if the investment goes."

He said: "The firefighters are angry and disappointed - obviously many are concerned about losing their jobs, but more are worried about what it could mean to the service as a whole."

But fire chiefs have slammed the plans as "irresponsible"

Chief Fire Officer David Johnson said: "I am focused on protecting the jobs and way of life of Essex firefighters, trying to protect a shift system that is important to them, while delivering savings that have to be made."

“All that strike action will bring is financial hardship for our firefighters.

“In Essex, we are looking at changes that 75 per cent of other UK fire and rescue services have already implemented.

“I believe that our firefighters are more in touch with the reality of the economic situation than the FBU leadership gives them credit for and I am sure they, like everyone else in our communities, understands that Essex is not immune to the impact of the credit crunch.

"The time has come for the union to stop burying its head in the sand and work with us for the future of the Service, its employees and the communities we are here to protect. "