FIREFIGHTERS ended their latest phase of industrial action in a long-running row over pensions yesterday with a plea to the government to make a fresh effort to end the deadlock.

A ban on voluntary overtime among members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in England, Wales and Scotland finished at noon.

Union members in Wales and England have held a series of strikes, including walkouts over the Bank Holiday weekend, in protest at attacks on their pensions and retirement age.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “An overtime ban was observed solidly across all three nations, and I’d like to congratulate  members on another impressive display of strength and unity.

“This dispute has now dragged on over three years, and all firefighters will now hope the government can finally let reason prevail and present new pensions plans that are affordable, workable and fair.

“But as the overtime ban and 12 periods of strike action show, firefighters remain as determined as possible to put the futures of their families — and our fire and rescue service — first.”