Government: 'Unions' futile strike action will benefit no-one'

It is very disappointing that a handful of unions insist on carrying on with futile strike action which will benefit no one.

We would urge these union leaders to reconsider their position.

Pension talks will not be re-opened and nothing further will be achieved through strike action.

In March we set out our final proposed agreements on pension reform following more than a year of intensive discussions with trades unions. Our reforms ensure that public sector pensions will remain among the very best available and that they can be sustained for the future.

Public sector workers are being asked to work a bit longer and pay a bit more, but they will continue to get a guaranteed pension which is index-linked and inflation-proofed.

Most staff on low and middle incomes will receive a pension at retirement as good as what they expect today, and for many it will be even better.