THE Fire Brigades Union (FBU) called for an above-inflation pay rise today, warning Labour that income restoration is a vital part of rebuilding the service. 

The union has written to fire service employers to start the process of negotiating a pay rise for firefighters and fire control staff.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Under the Tories, the fire service was subjected to massive cuts. One in five firefighter jobs was lost, and real terms pay fell.