Cost-of-living crisis: Firefighters 'forced' to go to food banks and struggling to pay energy bills as union recommends 5% pay offer rejection

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) chiefs have warned firefighters are being “forced” to go to food banks and are struggling to pay their energy bills as they recommend members reject the latest 5 per cent pay offer.

The FBU consultative ballot will open on Monday, October 31 and close on Monday, November 14. If rejected, there will be a further ballot for strike action.

Firefighters in Scotland will also demonstrate outside the Scottish Parliament on October 27 in what will be the largest FBU demonstration in many years.

Previously, a 2 per cent offer was rejected following consultation with members.

Firefighters attend a blaze on George IV bridge in 2021. Picture: Lisa Ferguson Fire crews have been tackling a large blaze which broke out at Edinburgh's George IV Bridge. Police Scotland closed several roads in the city's old town on Tuesday morning and said officers were assisting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service . The alarm was raised shortly after 6am by a cleaner at Edinburgh's Elephant House cafe - where JK Rowling penned her first Harry Potter book. It is believed the fire started in the Patisserie Valerie cafe next door. Elephant House owner David Taylor, said the fire had not spread to the building, but it had suffered smoke and water damage.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “A 5 per cent pay offer means a significant real terms pay cut. Inflation is currently around 10 per cent. We cannot go on like this.

“We are a democratic union and our members will decide, but the executive council could not in good faith recommend that members accept this offer. Firefighters and control staff are being forced to go to food banks and are struggling to pay for energy.

“We were part of the key workers who the Prime Minister stood outside every week and clapped for. We took on extra duties and helped protect our communities. A real terms pay cut is a disgusting way to thank us. The government and local authorities have to invest enough money into the fire service so that it works – this is not up for debate. Firefighters need a significant pay rise and the fire and rescue service must have enough resources.”