TUC warn 'volatile cocktail' may stir up strike action

Workers are facing a "volatile cocktail" of job cuts and attacks on pay and pensions which could spark industrial action, the head of the TUC has warned.

The call came after a meeting to discuss co-ordinated action against the government's spending cuts. Officials from the country's biggest trade unions, representing workers in the public and private sectors, met amid growing anger at the impact of the cuts on jobs and services.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "The government agenda is doing huge damage to the economy and vital public services. The TUC is mounting a wide campaign against these mistaken policies. No-one is talking about a general strike, but these attacks on our members could give rise to industrial action around specific disputes.

"Today's meeting showed a clear determination to work together on industrial issues including, as a last resort, action when members support it."