Sutton's firefighters were today preparing to return to the picket lines for the second time this week after a fourth round of strike action ended yesterday.

Crews from Wallington and Sutton joined in the national 48-hour walkout at 9am on Tuesday, which was called after union leaders and employers reached another stalemate over pay.

A government News Network spokesman confirmed Army troops providing emergency fire cover for the borough had not been called to any major incidents since the strike began.

The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) agreed to stage further strike action after employers indicated any pay increase would be linked to proposals aimed at modernising the fire service.

Andy Gilchrist, FBU general secretary, said: "The reason we have no alternative to our decision is the Government and our employers are continuing to implement their agenda on the fire service unabated, which will lead to thousands fewer firefighters and a worse service."

FBU leaders were due to hold crisis talks with Trade Union Congress (TUC) leaders over the next few days in a bid to revive negotiations over firefighters' 40 per cent pay claim.

The TUC will also seek a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott after indications he is preparing to reactivate the Fire Services Act of 1947, allowing the Government to specify pay, terms and conditions.

A TUC spokesman said there was "very deep concern" over the proposals.

Firefighters were due to begin the next round of 48-hour strike action tomorrow.

January 31, 2003 13:30