What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Almost 7,000 firefighters’ jobs have been axed over the past five years, new stats reveal today.

The Fire Brigades Union warned of a “disastrous” impact on safety because of job losses and station closures since the Tories came to power.

Research by the union found the number of uniformed fire service personnel in England fell by 6,716 in the last five years - a reduction of 14.5 per cent.

And the hardest hit region has been the North of England, where firefighters are currently working through the night to help flood-hit communities.

One area - the North West - has lost almost a quarter of its firefighters since David Cameron became PM.

Fire service cuts in last 5 years 6,716 14.5%

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Our figures show the fire and rescue service in England is effectively being dismantled.

“The very worrying thing is that it’s not going to end here - we know more cuts are on their way.

“The fire and rescue service simply can’t take any more cuts.

“How can this Government possibly expect communities to believe they are being protected from fire and all the other risks posed by extreme weather, terrorist threats and all the other challenges facing us in our society?”

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The biggest cuts have been in the North West (22.3%), Yorkshire and the Humber (17.4%), North East (17%), South East (16.6%) and London (13.9%).

The figures include full-time firefighters, retained firefighters and control room staff.

The number of fire stations has fallen by 30, or 2.1%, in the same period, according to the study of official operational statistics.

Regions suffering worst percentage cuts to Fire Service

There has also been a reduction of 101 fire engines, although some fire brigades increased their stock of vehicles.

“This Government with its ruthless austerity agenda have put fire and rescue services on a trajectory that is frankly heading for a disaster in terms of public and firefighter safety,” Mr Wrack said.

“They are making it very clear that they care more about cost savings than they do about the safety of this country’s citizens - and of the firefighters who risk their own lives to protect them.”