FIRE brigade employers have offered workers a salary increase in a bid to avoid strikes across the country.

Following a meeting in Warrington on Tuesday, when firefighters and control staff from across Cheshire voted unanimously to support a call for a ballot on strike action, employers issued new proposals to the Fire Brigade Union.

These include an improved pay formula, resulting in a four per cent rise in November, as well as an independent inquiry into modernization and pay.

Charles Nolda, of the Employers' Organization, said: "We do not believe that anyone would wish to strike, thereby putting lives in jeopardy, when there is an opportunity for a fair and independent inquiry to resolve this issue.

"We hope that the FBU will now reconsider and withdraw its threat to strike."

The FBU has been campaigning for a pay rise to recognize the increased and varied workload of fire staff.

Dave Williams, Cheshire Fire Brigade Union secretary, said that there was no comment as yet in response to the employers' proposals.

The National Joint Council, made up of employers and union representatives, is due to meet in London on Monday for discussions.