UK firefighter leaders pull back from strikes

Firefighters leaders in the UK today pulled back from calling fresh strikes over pay but warned that a 24-hour walkout will go ahead next week unless they get a renewed offer.

Fire Brigades Union representatives from across the country discussed the possibility of a fresh wave of strikes but decided not to name any new dates.

Firefighters are due to walk out for 24 hours next Tuesday followed by two 48-hour stoppages from January 28 and February 1.

The union had been expected to announce fresh strikes, some as short as two hours, today.