Firefighter review 'urges pay rise'

It is hoped the review will avert strike action

The BBC has learnt that an independent review of the fire service is recommending "a substantial rise in wages" for firefighters - in return for major reforms.

The interim findings of the inquiry will be given to the Fire Brigades' Union and local authority employers today. They resume talks tomorrow, but if no agreement is reached, firefighters will go out on strike on Wednesday.

Breakfast's John Sudworth was at a fire station at Chertsey in Surrey.

And Andy Gilchrist, who's the General Secretary of the Fire Brigades' Union joined us. He said:

Click here to watch our interview with Andy Gilchrist

We welcome what the our employers are doing. We have made substantial progress in the last few weeks. We are looking for a significant increase tomorrow. We need to wait and see, tying to link pay to some of the daft and dangerous suggestions i.e. sending firefighters at home is something that beggars belief. If we don't see serious offer there will be a strike. Firefighters have show tremendous patience.

Strike dates

13-15 November Starts and ends at 1800 GMT

22-30 November Starts/ ends 0900

4-12 December Starts/ ends 0900

16-24 December Starts/ ends 0900

The interim document by Sir George Bain, the man appointed by the government to conduct the independent review, says a pay hike must be linked to changes including increased flexibility and improved partnerships with other agencies.

The government is hoping the Bain review will help avert strike action - even though the wage rise it suggests falls short of the union's demand for 40%.

On Sunday the leader of the Fire Brigades Union, Andy Gilchrist, warned employers could only have "one last shot" to bring an end to the dispute.

Fire Brigade Union's 'last chance' call
Click here for full story

The two sides are due to meet on Tuesday for the latest round of talks, which have so far resulted in the cancellation of the first scheduled strikes but failed to reach a deal.

The final wage figures recommended in the Bain review will be given to both sides on Monday.

The BBC's labour affairs correspondent Stephen Cape said the review team does not think firefighters are badly paid, considering other benefits they receive.

But, Cape added, the team is "certain" there is scope for them to earn considerably more by embracing the changes the report suggests.

Decision ahead

The review does warn that a significant wage rise is dependant on the reforms being agreed.

It will mean the firefighters union must decide if its members should continue talking this week or go ahead with its walkout.

Informal negotiations could be held between the FBU and its local government employers on Monday, ahead of the official resumption of talks.

But the employers have been waiting for Sir George to bring forward some of his findings to help to achieve a peace deal.

Airport disputes

The FBU has refused to take part in the review - saying it is not going to help in determining a new rate of pay.

Meanwhile in a separate dispute, seven of the country's airports could be closed on Monday due to action expected by airport staff over pay.

Union leaders representing fire-fighters, security guards and other employees at seven affected airports are due to call for stoppages on Monday in a row over pay.

The airports - Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Southampton, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh - could have to close if the strikes go ahead, although new negotiations are also likely.