Pensions unrest may loom again

THE government is facing the threat of renewed industrial action over its pension reforms after unions representing hundreds of thousands of NHS workers, civil servants, firefighters and teachers raised the prospect of strikes.

Leaders of more than 700,000 public sector workers made it clear they were not prepared to agree to planned higher contributions, lower pensions and longer retirement ages.

Up to two million public sector workers staged a one-day strike last November in protest at the pension changes and, although some progress has been made, the dispute remains unresolved, with warnings of more action on 28 March.

The Fire Brigades’ Union described government’s proposals, following lengthy talks, as “unacceptable”.