Union unrest

Firefighters prepare to call their first national strike for 25 years in a dispute over pay and working practises.

12 November: Last ditch talks fail

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The army will provide emergency cover

The Fire Brigades Union leader Andy Gilchrist accuses the government of provoking the strike after last ditch talks break down with no new pay offer on the table.

The BBC's Ben Brown

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11 November: "Insulting" offer rejected

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Britain has more than 50, 000 firefighters

The union rejects the findings of an independent pay review. The Bain report recommends an 11% pay increase over two years linked to big changes in working practice.

The BBC's Rebecca Pike

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18 October: Firefighters' vote for action

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Firefighters want a 40% increase

Firefighters vote nine to one in favour of industrial action in support of their pay claim. The Fire Brigades Union is pressing for a 40% increase which would put fully qualified staff on about £30,000 a year.

The BBC's Rory Cellan-Jones