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. 

“We now look to Labour to rebuild our fire service. Restoring pay is a vital part of this, alongside national standards and investment in training and equipment.

“The new government must make the money available for a substantial above-inflation pay increase to begin the work of making up for lost ground.”

In 2022 and 2023, the threat of strike action forced pay rises of 7 and 5 per cent.

Last year’s pay settlement saw a rise of 4 per cent.