The government today intervened in the firefighters' pay dispute by suggesting an independent salary review could be launched in a bid to avoid strikes.
The fire service minister, Nick Raynsford, said he would be urgently seeking the views of employers and the Fire Brigades Union on the option of a review to consider pay and modernisation.
It is the first time the government has intervened in the dispute and came a day after talks between the union and employers broke down.
The FBU is recalling its national conference next week to finalise plans for a strike ballot.
Mr Raynsford told a London conference that he did not underestimate the damage that would be caused to the community and the service itself by an "unnecessary and destructive" industrial conflict.
"One option which has been proposed is for an independent review to consider both fire service pay and modernisation of the service. This could offer a mechanism for considering the issues raised by all parties and for making real progress," he said.
"Clearly it would be best if all parties participate in the review and I will therefore be seeking, immediately and urgently, the views of both the employers and the FBU on its remit and terms of reference."
Mr Raynsford announced that the government was "minded to pursue" the option of an independent review.
