FIREFIGHTERS could strike in Worcester in a protest over pay.

Across the country, the Fire Brigades Union is campaigning for a 39 per cent pay increase, boosting salaries to £30,000 a year for a firefighter with four years' service.

Steve Laugher, FBU brigade secretary for the area, said demonstrations were planned for Worcester and Hereford following a national protest in London a fortnight ago.

"I must emphasise, we're not looking for confrontation, but if the Government ignores us, we'll vote on the right form of action," he said.

"Whether that would be a strike or not, I can't say." he

"In 25 years, we haven't asked for anything, but we feel enough is enough and it's time for us to take our battle to the front.

"In 1977 and 1978, we had our one and only pay dispute. There had never been one prior to that and there hasn't been one since."

In that dispute, firefighters' pay was in the top bracket of unskilled workers. But now the job has changed and firefighters now have to be fully qualified.

"We now have to be trained in IT and go around schools teaching children about fire safety," Mr Laugher said.

Members of the Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority remained tight-lipped about his claims.

"In terms of the FBU's request for a pay rise, I don't think it would be right, nor are we in any position to discuss this. It's matter for national negotiation," said member Councillor Richard Udall.

Mr Laugher said he was not surprised the authority declined to discuss his gripes.

"What we were hoping for from the meeting was councillors' support, and we did get one or two," he said.