FIREFIGHTERS have said “enough is enough,” as they threaten to withdraw from all non-contractual work and prepare for strikes.

Delegates at the FBU’s annual Blackpool conference have voted to re-enter negotiations with fire authorities over pay and conditions and to prepare for industrial action.

Last month workers rejected an offer that would see them enter into open-ended contracts in return for the possibility of a pay rise.

But this funding had not been agreed with central government and workers expressed fear that open-ended contracts would lead to the role of a firefighter being unjustifiably expanded.

The proposals were rejected in an FBU ballot on a 58 per cent turnout, which exceeded the minimum required for industrial action by the 2016 Trade Union Act.

If action takes place, all work outside of a firefighter’s core role –such as water-rescue services – could be withdrawn.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack told conference: “Firefighters spend each day risking their lives to save others, but governments and employers have thanked them with a real-terms pay cut and massive cuts to jobs, all while piling on new duties onto their daily work.

“Enough is enough.

“We will not stand by while the work of firefighters is done for free.

“We don’t take industrial action lightly – no community should have to go without their firefighters’ vital non-fire work.

“But we need to make it clear that unless the government and fire-service employers treat firefighters fairly and with respect we can and will consider all forms of industrial action.”