Firefighters and bosses are moving towards a 16 per cent pay deal linked to reform of working practices in the service, according to press reports.

Signs that a deal may be in the offing came as the Fire Brigades Union suspended two 48-hour strikes and Labour's new chairman, John Reid, hinted that more cash may be on the table in return for changes in work patterns.

Sir George Bain has also said that he could bring forward his review into firefighters' pay in a bid to avert the first of a series of eight day strikes due on November 6.

FBU leaders and employers hold talks on Wednesday and Thursday with negotiations expected to focus on a new pay formula and flexible working patterns.