By Sam Moorhouse

Firefighters from across Leicestershire are set to receive a 12 per cent pay rise, meaning strike action will no longer take place.

Around 500 staff and crew members from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were due to join the first national walkout since 2003, but the strikes were paused after a new offer was made.

The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) have announced today that 96 per cent of its members voted to accept the pay offer, on an 84 per cent turnout.

Firefighters across the country will get a seven per cent pay rise backdated to July 2022 and then they will receive a further five per cent increase from July later this year. The fire service was originally offered a pay rise of just two per cent.

FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said: "The overwhelming vote by FBU members to accept the improved offer means that the dispute is resolved on terms that are favourable to firefighters. We pay tribute to members of our union for their determination and unity throughout the past year. Firefighters will now receive two pay increases, including nine months of back pay.

"The FBU leadership has been determined not to sugar-coat the offer. For the current year, seven per cent is still another real terms pay cut. For the following year (July 2023 to July 2024), when inflation is forecast to be lower, five per cent may amount to a slight increase in real terms pay."

Leicestershire fire staff voted to walk out in January earlier this year due to "more than a decade of real term pay cuts", which are estimated to be worth approximately £4,000. The FBU also said that the planned strike action was linked to fire service cuts, which have resulted "in fewer firefighters on fire engines, big cuts made to services, and increased response times."

The Conservative government have been facing high pressure in recent months as several public sector unions have carried out strikes over pay and working conditions.

Mr Wrack added: "It's clear from this dispute that the organised power of trade unions, including being prepared to take strike action when necessary, can protect the pay and conditions of workers.

"At a time when the UK Government is presiding over attacks on the wages of key workers in the NHS, teaching, rail, and postal services, strikes are the first line of defence against those attacks on workers. The FBU stands in solidarity with each and every union on strike for decent pay."