THE government’s attack on firefighters’ pensions and jobs will be debated in the House of Commons on Monday, following a demand by Labour.

It follows Tuesday’s latest 24-hour strike by 30,000 firefighters in England.

Firefighters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland did not strike because their regional governments are in “meaningful” negotiations over changes to their pensions.

Shadow local government and communities secretary Hilary Benn led Labour calls for a Commons debate on the government’s proposals and 270 MPs have signed a parliamentary motion opposing them.

The government is hiking up firefighters’ contributions to their pensions — they now pay £4,000 a year from pre-tax salaries of £29,000. The government is also demanding firefighters’ maintain front-line fitness until they are 60 or face losing their jobs and a substantial part of their pensions.

The firefighters’ union welcomed the debate. FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “This is a chance to hold the government to account over an unworkable and unsustainable pension scheme that will see 60-year-olds running into burning buildings to rescue people.

“The government has not resolved concerns around firefighter fitness. They expect 60-year-olds to have the same fitness levels as those in their 20s. This will leave firefighters, who have risked their lives in public service, either facing the sack or a severely reduced pension.”

He said a government review showed two-thirds of firefighters aged 55 to 60 could not maintain front-line fitness.