The head of the Trades Union Congress has criticised Government efforts to impose a pay settlement on firefighters.

A 48-hour strike by firefighters is due to finish at 9am tomorrow and more indusrial action looks likely, with the Fire Brigades Union saying its members remain determined.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has announced plans to bring in legislation to enable the Government to force a pay settlement on firefighters, who have been locked in dispute with their employers since the first fire strikes in November.

Brendan Barber, general secretary elect of the TUC, said it would be unwise of the Government to force a settlement on the fire service.

The only way to resolve the dispute was through negotiation, not by imposing conditions, said Mr Barber.

Mr Barber was amongst a host of senior union figures who gathered late last week to express support for the FBU and consider their response to the Government's plans for the new legislation.

Firefighters are demanding a 30 per cent pay rise, but their employers and the Government have only offered four per cent, and say anything more must be paid for by savings through modernisation.

FBU officials will meet in the next few days to consider announcing more strike dates.

Nearly 20,000 armed forces personnel are providing emergency cover during the strikes, using aging Green Goddess fire engines.