FIREFIGHTERS could strike over an “insulting” below-inflation pay deal of just 2 per cent, their union has warned. 

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said that he would recommend members reject the offer from national fire and rescue service bosses as it falls well short of soaring prices.

The consumer prices index inflation rate is currently at a 40-year high of more than 9 per cent and is set to rise further before the end of the year, according to experts.

The squeeze on living standards comes on top of firefighters’ real-terms pay being slashed by 12 per cent — or nearly £4,000 — between 2009 and 2021, the union highlighted.

Mr Wrack slammed the offer as “utterly inadequate,” saying that it would deliver a “further cut in real wages to firefighters in all roles in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis.”

He added: “This proposal will anger firefighters, those working in emergency fire controls, and those in all uniformed roles in fire services across the UK.

“It is galling to be insulted in this way, especially after our contribution to public safety during the pandemic.

“Firefighters will now inevitably begin to discuss reactions, including industrial action. The [FBU] does not consider or take industrial action lightly or without ensuring that all efforts to resolve the issue have been exhausted.”

The union will be contacting bosses to inform them of the “anger and frustration their proposal will create,” confirmed Mr Wrack, who called on ministers in each of Britain’s nations to provide “urgent additional funding to enable employers to make a reasonable offer.

“Our members will now begin to discuss this offer and the executive council will reconvene shortly to discuss our next steps.

“We will now consider all options, including strike action.”