Pay talks involving 1.2 million council workers have broken down. Union leaders have rejected the three per cent pay offer and warned of a ballot for industrial action among local authority employees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Forum Response: Unison

A spokesperson for Unison told ePolitix.com: "We are totally disappointed with the three per cent pay raise offer to local government members. The offer is particularly insulting given the 3.6 per cent offered for low-paid workers in the NHS. Industrial action may be the only way to bring employers back to the negotiating table. Unison is drawing up a consultation timetable and this will be sent to branches this week."