Firefighters strike 'over'

Firefighters from across the UK supported the strike

The Fire Brigade Union says its strike on Merseyside is effectively over.

Hundreds of military personnel with Green Goddesses have been covering during the dispute.

Andy Gilchrist, the general secretary of the union told BBC News Online: "The Fire Authority have capitulated, and have forwarded a set of words which we will be voting on."

A new deal worked out by an employers-employees committee of the fire brigade was agreed on Thursady, but still has to be formalised.

Green Goddesses were used during the action

Mr Gilchrist said: "We do expect the words to be formally accepted, but because we want to thank the people of Merseyside for supporting us, we are back to work on Thursday night."

Fire crews agreed to return to their appliances from 1800 BST on Thursday.

It is understood that an agreement was made over the main stumbling block, a recruitment issue.

The strike was prompted by Merseyside Fire Authority's proposal for appointing non-uniformed staff to senior management posts previously reserved for experienced firefighters.

Final Verdict

The new deal will be put to the FBU membership over the weekend, and a final verdict will be given on Monday.

Chief fire officer Malcolm Saunders maintains the authority was hoping to encourage more women and people from ethnic minorities to join the service.

Mr Gilchrist claimed Mr Saunders position had become "untenable".

Almost 83% of Merseyside's 1,400 officers voted for the stoppage.