Further talks will be held in an attempt to avert the strike

Ground and security staff and firefighters who are members of the Amicus union will walk out next Friday.

They are protesting over proposals to close the final salary pension scheme to new employees and replace it with one that gives lower returns.

More talks will be held on Thursday to avert the strike on 17 December.

Negotiations between the union and the airport's management broke down on Tuesday.

Amicus's regional officer Peter Coulson said: "We are meeting with the employers again on Thursday and still hope we can reach an agreement to avoid a shutdown so close to Christmas.

"If those talks fail however our members will be striking on the 17th December to defend their pension rights."

Last week 76% of ground and security staff and 100% of firefighters voted to take industrial action in a ballot.