750,000 public sector workers set to strike

The Public and Commercial Services union will announce the result of its UK-wide strike ballot today, with officials expecting a big "yes" vote in protest at pension changes, job cuts and a pay freeze.

The result will follow votes by teachers in England and Wales yesterday in favour of strike action in protest at changes being made to their pensions. The National Union of Teachers and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers say the plans will leave teachers south of the Border working longer, paying more and receiving less when they retire.

A walkout is now set to take place on 30 June, affecting millions of children at thousands of schools in England and Wales.

PCS leader Mark Serwotka has warned that up to 750,000 public-sector workers across the UK could be taking co-ordinated strike action on 30 June, the biggest outbreak of industrial unrest in the sector for years.

However, Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude warned yesterday that the strike would be a "big mistake" while talks to resolve the dispute were continuing.

Mr Maude said it was fair to ask public sector workers to pay "a bit more" for their pensions and to create a better balance with what other workers are paid.

Mr Maude added: "We have made a great deal of progress in the talks and I am hopeful that more progress will be achieved.

"It will be a big mistake for people to embark on strike action while there are discussions going on."

But Mr Serwotka said: "All the experts who have looked at public-sector pensions, including the government's own adviser, Lord Hutton, agree they are affordable now and in the future.

"The government is isolated in its belief there is a need to cut pensions even further and the only conclusion to draw is that ideology is replacing reality."