Striking Essex firefighters have defended their decision to take industrial action from 9am until 6pm today (Thursday).The Fire Brigades Union claims it has been forced into the walkout by the threat of further job cuts.It alleges Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has already imposed a 15 per cent cut over the last decade in the number of full-time firefighters at fire stations.Activists dismiss management claims that cuts have not yet been decided, pointing to budget papers which...
