Fire fighters have been boosted in their pay dispute by an opinion poll showing public opposition to a government imposed settlement

A survey commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union showed that only one in three people would back ministerial moves to force a deal through by law.

Fewer than one in five of the 2800 people polled by YouGov believed a pay rise should be funded by job cuts and only one in four said they would support any cuts in the number of fire fighters on duty at night.

The poll on Monday as local authority employers were meeting to discuss their next move in the bitter pay row.

The union executive has warned that it will name new strike dates after its executive meeting on Tuesday unless progress has been made.

As the last ditch talks between the FBU and the fire service employers continue, the hardline stance is set to cause difficulties for ministers.

Deputy prime minister John Prescott has already announced that by the end of this month just 9000 soldiers will be available to cover any industrial action, down from the 19,000 personnel deployed to cover last year's strikes.

The move means that there will be significantly reduced coverage and longer response times across the country in the event of a new strike.

But the FBU remained defiant, saying that a new "strike strategy" would be unveiled if there was no deal reached at meetings with employers early next week.

"If on Tuesday there is not the basis of an acceptable negotiated settlement then we will announce the detail of further strike action," said a union statement.

FBU chief Andy Gilchrist added that recent talks had been "helpful" but warned of continued anger among union members.

Despite the poll and the union threats, Prescott will continues to push his Fire Services Bill through parliament.

The legislation would give the government powers to set pay and conditions in England and Wales and direct fire authorities on the use and disposal of their facilities

But the Conservatives said the FBU's latest moves proved that the legislation was not tough enough to end the crisis.

"This attitude by the FBU demonstrates as clearly as it is possible to do so that the government's bill as it stands is too weak to deliver a solution," said shadow to the deputy prime minister David Davis."To ensure a constructive outcome for the public and for the future of the fire service, the bill has to require a postal ballot by the FBU and has to give the government the right to ban strikes in the event of the conflict continuing beyond a settlement."