The government has voted in favour of changes to firefighters’ pensions, which will see them have to work until age 60 and receive increased pension contributions after the government voted in favour of the changes.
The measure, which has led to a series of strikes by union members, was passed by 313 MP votes to 261.
The last strike action took place on 9 December.
The proposed pension changes, which were set out in the Public Service Pensions Bill 2013, include a move from final salary to career-average pension schemes and a set employer cost cap to ensure that public sector pensions remain affordable and sustainable.
Firefighters in England that retire between 55 and 60, however, could be offered a reduced pension if they fail fitness tests.
But before the vote, MPs on both sides of the House of Commons asked for assurances from the government that firefighters who failed fitness tests would be found alternative work from the frontline.
A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “The government is confident that the scheme put before Parliament is one of the best in the public sector and is fair and sustainable for firefighters and taxpayers alike.”
