The unions have signalled they are set to continue their long-running battle with the government over the role of private companies in the NHS.

The GMB accused the government on Wednesday of attempting to privatise the NHS and claimed there was little public support for the government's plans.

The union's boss, John Edmonds, said there were "lots of signs" that privatisation was taking place, and the government's enthusiasm for involving private firms in public services was eroding its support.

His remarks were a calculated warning to ministers that the unions are prepared to dig in for a fight with the government over the involvement of the private sector.

Edmonds hit out at ministers claiming they were already racing ahead to meet Tony Blair's demand of "delivery"."There are lots of signs that this is happening and, of course, a lot of signs of government support for the private sector," he said.

He warned that the general public were still uneasy about the role of private companies.

"Our polling shows that something close to 90 per cent of people in this country don't like the idea of privatisation of the health service. They are totally against it," he said.

Edmonds said his union would stop short of withdrawing its support for the Labour Party.

"We are not looking for a change of government but we are looking for a change of policy," he said.