FIREFIGHTERS look set to continue working to rule throughout the weekend in protest at the dismissal of a recruit injured in training.

Now the fire service is taking legal advice as it believes the union has acted in breach of trade union law by taking industrial action without holding a ballot.

Most fire stations across East Lancashire have only been answering emergency calls since 6pm on Thursday.

Talks between the Fire Brigades Union and management ground to a halt last night

The dispute centres on a recruit firefighter from Burnley who was injured in training and has been dismissed after being unable to recover his fitness.

Tony Harris, brigade secretary, said: "So much for the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's recent outpourings about fairness at work. Once again, they have chosen to pick on what they consider to be one of the most vulnerable members of the service.

"Our members are thoroughly disgusted and incensed with this action taken by brigade management and have taken matters into their own hands.

"The FBU in Lancashire has spoke to County Coun Bob Clark, chairman of the Fire Authority in Lancashire, in an attempt to resolve the issue. His response was to threaten the FBU with Tory anti-union legislation.

"This action from an elected Labour councillor perhaps goes some way to explaining Labour's poor showing in Thursday's local elections."

Coun Clark said: "The FBU refused to discuss the industrial action at a meeting yesterday afternoon -- they left after two minutes. The fire service is now taking legal advice about the way forward. I believe the unions are in breach of trade union law by taking industrial action without a ballot.

"We would hope that the FBU would see sense but after the meeting it doesn't look that way. The situation is deadlocked."