London firefighters begin new shift patterns

Firefighters went on two strikes over shifts and contracts in 2010

Thousands of firefighters in 113 fire stations across London have begun working according to new shifts.

The 10.5-hour day shifts and 13.5-hour nights - the first change since 1979 - came into force after 5,500 firefighters went on strike in 2010.

The agreement to change the nine-hour days and 15-hour night shifts ended a six-year dispute between London Fire Brigade and the Fire Brigades Union.

London Fire Brigade said longer days will allow more time for training.

Brian Coleman, chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, said: "After six long years of negotiation, firefighters can now do more during the day shift, without adding to the hours they work overall."

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said the new shift pattern was an "important step" towards modernising the service which has "changed dramatically" since 1979.