Public sector pension talks 'set to begin'

Public sector workers were on strike yesterday

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Public sector workers set for 'biggest strike for a generation'
Around two million workers for the public sector will walk out today.

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Thursday, 01, Dec 2011 11:56

By Neal Wallace

Talks between public sector unions and the government to resolve the dispute around pension reforms are set to begin again today (December 1st).

Around two million hospital, education and other public sector workers went on strike yesterday in protest against the changes, which unions say force people to work longer for less money and smaller pensions after retirement.

David Cameron described the walkout as a "damp squib", claiming that it did not cause the level of disruption expected.

The industrial action is the biggest one-day strike since 1979, when 1.5 million people walked out.

According to the BBC's political correspondent, Iain Watson, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers hopes to have the basis of a deal in place by early 2012.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, accused the government of putting the public sector "under attack" and described the strikes as fully justified.

BBC presenter Jeremy Clarkson said last night on The One Show that those out on strike should "be shot", forcing the channel to issue a swift on-air apology.