Highlands and Islands Fire Board strike group suggested

A sub committee could help Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service prepare for possible industrial action by its staff, its chief has said.

Chief fire officer Trevor Johnson has made the suggestion to the service's fire board.

The committee would have powers to make "critical decisions" if a UK-wide strike by public service workers takes place on 30 November.

It would also update board members on any impacts of the action.

Mr Johnson has set out the proposal for the sub committee in a paper to a fire board meeting later this week.

Members have been asked to approve the setting up of the industrial action sub committee.

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service covers the Highlands, Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney.