Fresh moves to break fire deadlock

Leaders of the Fire Brigades Union are meeting employers in another attempt to break the deadlock in the dispute.

The decision to hold informal talks on Friday came hours after the deputy prime minister revealed a settlement could be imposed once the Fire Services Act becomes law in a couple of months.

The act has already provoked a rebellion by 27 Labour MPs who voted against it as it progressed through the Commons on Thursday.

John Prescott urged the two sides to use the window of opportunity to clinch a deal.

The firefighters' union and the employers have already held talks this week.

The stumbling block has been the conditions of service the employers want to introduce, not the pay award of 16% phased over two-and-a-half years.

Constructive manner

Talks have been hampered by an atmosphere of mutual suspicion.

But an informed source suggested to the BBC both sides were now beginning to inch forward in a constructive manner.

The employers believe the process could be upset if the union's executive called more strikes.

And there are many within the trade union movement who believe the Fire Services Bill can act only as a provocation at this delicate stage in the dispute.

BBC labour affairs correspondent Stephen Cape said at least four union leaders, including TUC general secretary Brendan Barber, had already expressed "very deep concern" following Mr Prescott's threat of an imposed settlement.

He added that any reaction would ultimately be restricted by laws against "anything like secondary or sympathy action".

At least one fire authority has written to the Local Government Association to express serious and growing concern at the lack of progress in the dispute, saying it was vital to reach a negotiated settlement.

Mr Prescott has said he is obliged to break the deadlock, partly because military cover during any future strikes would be "significantly reduced".

Troops released

Keeping troops on standby for firefighting duties was having a "detrimental effect" on British troops in Iraq.

He announced the release of 5,000 troops from standby firefighting duties, for training and other operational skills.

That leaves 11,000 servicemen available for firefighting cover, but this will drop to 9,000 by the end of May - less than half the 19,000 who provided emergency cover during past walkouts.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said there was now a "finite period" for the union to accept the final offer, which would guarantee a £25,000 salary for firefighters by next summer.

Mr Prescott said fresh fire strikes would result in "significantly reduced fire cover" and lives being put at risk.

The FBU says planned changes to the service could mean the loss 5,000-10,000 jobs, but Mr Prescott put the figure at 1,900, mainly through retirement.