Campaign: Monks

Trade unions are set for another confrontation with the government over its policies on public services.

The TUC is set to lead the re-launch of its campaign to persuade the public that the use of the private sector in public services should be scaled back.

The campaign had been planned to be launched in time for Labour's annual party conference but was put on hold following the terrorist atrocities in the United States. Union leaders say their fight with the government over the use of private finance initiatives was merely suspended and now that the focus is beginning to return to domestic policy they can re-raise the issue with ministers.

Part of the campaign had been a poster depicting a Wall Street broker and a nurse and asked members of the public to decide which person they wanted running the NHS. The advert was withdrawn in sympathy for the financiers who were killed in the Twin Towers attacks.

Union members will stage a huge lobby of Parliament next month to "celebrate" public services. Workers and members will speak about the valuable role of the public when they address a rally to highlight the contribution that well-funded public services make to the country.

Another of the speakers will be a New York firefighter who will speak about the role played by public servants in the wake of the US terrorist attacks.

TUC general secretary John Monks said the event will give the public a chance to think about the services they use."Good public services are the glue that holds together any civilised society. Our Public Works day invites everyone to pause and say thank you and to pledge support for properly funded public services delivered by properly rewarded public servants,'' he said.