Firefighters in West Yorkshire are to strike again for the fourth time today .

The strike will take place between 10am and 2pm.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “After 35 years of service – and paying at least £4,000 a year – firefighters could now receive just over £9,000 a year or the sack simply because fitness declines as they get older.

“Firefighters simply want an affordable and workable pension that reflects the job we do. We’re keen to resolve this through negotiations, but the government is simply ignoring all the evidence we have submitted.”

The union says the government has until recently claimed that firefighters who work for 40 years would receive £19,000 a year.

Most firefighters take home approximately £1,650 a month. Most already pay £320 or more a month into their pensions and from April 2014 this will rise for the third year in a row to over £340 a month (£4,000 a year).

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service says it has robust contingency plans in place but is nonetheless reminding the public to do their bit to ensure everyone is kept safe during this period of reduced cover.

Assistant Chief Officer, Dave Walton, said: “During the three strike periods that have already passed this year our contingency plans have proved effective and we are confident of the strategies that have been put in place for this kind of scenario.

“Today’s strike action falls during the working day when commercial premises will be in full swing.

“We therefore ask business owners and workers to be vigilant to reduce the risk of fire and keep themselves safe on the roads.

“The general public can do their bit too by using common sense to prevent accidents and injury.”