Firefighters in Essex are set to walk out again as a national dispute over cuts to frontline services continues.

General secretary of the Essex Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Matt Wrack announced the fresh strike action in an online statement.

A full strike has been called for next Thursday between 9am and 6pm, with all union members other than control room staff affected.

“Industrial action short of a strike” will also start from 6pm on Wednesday and recommence at 9am on Friday.

Strikes have previously been held in reaction to Essex Fire Service’s plan to cut at least 179 firefighters and control staff across the county – a quarter of full-time workers.

Union members also claim recent changes to shift patterns have made childcare difficult to arrange and taken rest periods from staff.

In the statement, Mr Wrack said: “We hope the matter will be resolved shortly.

“If not, further dates/times in respect of this ongoing industrial action will be notified once determined.”