ESSEX, ENGLAND--(Marketwire - June 25, 2012) - The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) met with Essex fire service manager this morning and then separately with the Fire Brigades Union in the afternoon. No agreed way forward has been identified and both sides are reflecting on the content of the meetings.

ACAS is maintaining and open dialogue with both sides.

The cuts and imposed changes in dispute continue to be implemented and the lawful strike action will go ahead accordingly, starting on Thursday 28 June.

Neither side has ruled-out the possibility of future meetings with ACAS.

Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the meetings and the conciliation service that ACAS can provide, it would be inappropriate to make any additional comment about the discussions had with ACAS today.