The government was yesterday hit by claims that it was set to dump plans to tackle "two-tier" workforces.

As Tony Blair launched a pamphlet aimed at public sector workers, unions hit out after it was claimed that ministers were backtracking on commitments to give all employees equal pay and conditions.

Forum Response: Unison

A spokesperson for Unison told ePolitix.com: "Unison is calling on all local authorities to introduce a fair wages clause in their contracting procedures. Many staff transferred to private contractors are finding their terms and conditions eroded over time. New employees often have no protection, creating an unfair, two-tier workforce.

"Unison is asking people to sign a statement pledging to support the introduction of a fair wages clause in their own local authority. Such a clause would ensure private contractors could not compete for contracts on the basis of lower pay and conditions. It would also remove incentives to privatise in order to achieve savings on labour costs."