Union leaders have re-ignited the euro debate with news that they intend to lobby the government for a referendum.

The TUC has today announced it will continue to press for euro entry despite the chancellor delaying the decision because his famous five economic tests had not been met.

It set out views on the euro and pledged to pursue them "vigorously with the government" ahead of its autumn conference.

Union leaders welcomed the government's "strengthened commitment" to the principle of joining the euro when the five economic tests are met.

Its general council issued a statement giving its views on the issue which will be debated during the TUC's autumn conference later this year.

"Congress has time and again stressed that the European agenda forms a whole and that economic, monetary, employment and social policies must advance together," the TUC said.

The group, which represents 69 of Britain's unions, argued there were two central considerations for membership of the single currency.

A sustainable exchange rate between the pound and the euro would be vital along with stability for attracting foreign direct investment.

The TUC also called for efforts to build a solid manufacturing base and for the government to resist moves towards US free market approaches.

But the TUC also warned that support was not unquestioning with a pledge to resist "any moves to deregulate the labour market" that were made in a bid to join the single currency.

"British workers are among the most disadvantaged in the EU in terms of social protections: they require a closer identification of this country with the European Social Model," they said.