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 came as local authority employers met with the FBU to discuss the 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 no deal is reached at meetings this 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.