Members of Derbyshire Fire Authority passed changes last week, which bosses from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) say will cause problems with childcare and family life, with no benefits to the public.

The move, which will come into force in January, means day shifts for fire crews would be extended from nine to 11 hours, while night shifts would be reduced from 15 to 13 hours.

Mark Ferron, FBU Derbyshire brigade chairman, said: "Extending our already long working day by two hours to 11 hours will cause havoc with childcare. This would mean relying on informal ways of ensuring children are cared for before and after school.

"These may seem like small changes to some but any parent knows that what look like small changes can play havoc with family life.

"It will not only extend our working day but it will extend the day for our children, cause inconvenience and stress to other family members and extra costs for childcare."

But fire chiefs have defended the move and say it is in line with changes in other parts of the country. They also said the changes would provide better value for money and allow more time for training.