A YORK MP has said it would be “wholly irresponsible” for public sector workers to strike over changes to their pensions.

Unions are set to stage co-ordinated industrial action on November 30, saying Government concessions, including more generous accrual rates which determine how a pension’s value builds up are not enough. Six unions have a mandate to strike, with others potentially joining them, but York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said: “Last week, the Government made a very fair offer on public sector pensions which would ensure they remain generous to all.

“As such, it would be wholly irresponsible for the trade unions to continue with their threat of industrial action. Any such action will only deal yet another blow to our fragile economy. The Government has played its part in positive negotiations on this matter - it is now time for the unions to respond responsibly.”