MORE than 20 fire fighters have responded to an emergency at Herefordshire Council Chambers - to lobby councillors and Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority for a pay rise.

The uniformed members of Hereford and Worcester Fire service said they want £30,000 in fire fighters' basic pay packets by November.

Staff currently work to a pay formula agreed in 1978 that has fallen below average and links professional fire service staff to the pay levels of semi-skilled workers.

The fire fighters gathered outside Brockington Council Chambers last Friday bore a placard calling for the pay hike and handed out information outlining their claim to members of Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority meeting. Fully qualified fire fighters are currently paid £21,500, including an 11 per cent compulsory pension.

Fire Brigade Union secretary, Steve Laugher, said: "The role of fire service workers has changed enormously since the existing pay formula was introduced some 25 years ago.

"Fire service workers have seen the number of emergency incidents they deal with increase substantially, and this has been coupled with changes in the role and standards required of them."

Commenting on the lobby on behalf of Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority, brigade spokesman, Alec Mackie, said: "This was a national issue and the Combined Fire Authority is not taking a stance in respect of this pay claim one way or another.

"The National Fire Union and the Government will decide in respect of pay, conditions and negotiations. The Combined Fire Authority is awaiting the decisions that will be taken nationally by employers."

The Fire Brigade Union Executive Council, which has pledged to resolve pay issues with employers, says it is seeking to avoid confrontation over the claim but will ask members to strike if necessary.