Unite leader warns of coordinated strikes in UK

Leader of the biggest trade union in the UK today warned of a fresh wave of coordinated strikes due to increasing anger over cuts in pay and pensions that were taking the country down a 'path to poverty.'

Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite, warned of a ''real likelihood'' of more industrial action before the end of the year, following last November's huge walkout by public sector workers over the pension reforms of the government.

He said the pensions issue remained a ''festering sore'' among workers in the health service, education and civil service and could come to the fore again.

Speaking on the eve of the annual TUC Congress, set to open in Brighton tomorrow, McCluskey also called for a radical change of direction to lift the UK out of recession.

Unite would demand next week a £1 an hour increase in the national minimum wage to boost the spending power of low-paid workers and for capping energy bills to protect families from higher prices this winter.

The union's message was growth and social justice and opposition to the government's path to poverty, he added.