Public Opinion On Fire Fighters' Pay

Most people believe fire fighters in the UK should earn a higher salary, according to a new report by the MORI Social Research Institute. At the moment, the maximum amount a fully qualified British fire-fighter can earn is 16321,500 a year, and three in five people (63%) believe this is too little.

Of those who believe fire fighters are paid too little, four in five (82%) say they should be paid more than 16325,000, with a third (33%) saying they should receive 16330,000 or more. The survey -- for the FBU (Fire Brigades Union) -- also reveals high public confidence in the Fire Service, with four out of five people (81%) saying they are satisfied with its performance.

Summary of responses to polling questions

• MORI interviewed 2,095 British adults in home between 8-13 August 2002. Data are weighted.

Q The FBU are campaigning to bring the fully qualified fire fighters wage to 16330,000 per year (before tax). Do you support or oppose this pay rise?

Base: all (2,095)

Q The maximum amount a fully qualified British fire fighter can earn is 16321,5000 per year (before tax). Do you think this is too much, too little or about the right amount for the job fire fighters do?

Base: all (2,095)

Q How much do you think the average British fire fighter should be paid per year (before tax)?

Base: all who think the maximum amount a fully qualified British fire fighter can earn is too little (1,307)

Q British fire fighters have only ever held one national strike over pay and that was in 1977. Other strikes since then have been at brigade level to prevent cuts to the fire service. However, if their employers do not agree to increase wages to 16330,000, the FBU may call a strike this year. If this were to happen, would you support or oppose this strike?

Base: all (2,095)

Q From what you know, or have heard, how satisfied or dissatisfied you are with the performance of the Fire Brigade?

Base: all (2,095)