YOUR readers will be aware firefighters in Kent are being balloted for industrial action.

The reason why the ballot is taking place is because of something called stand-down time.

The key issue is the work firefighters can reasonably be expected to perform on public holidays we feel this should not be restricted to answering 999 calls only.

The employers are not taking money away from firefighters or reducing public holidays.

All that is required to release the remaining 3.5 per cent, backdated to November 2003, is an agreement about Bank Holiday working. A vote in favour of a strike puts this in jeopardy.

TOM MASON Vice Chairman, Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority