THE TUC tonight announced a day of action on November 30, pledging the biggest union mobilisation in a generation after a simmering row over public sector pensions boiled over into strike plans.

Up to three million workers, ranging from firefighters and school dinner ladies, to social workers and driving test examiners, are set to take part in the action, including stoppages, meetings, rallies and joint events with community groups.

The walk out, a day after the Chancellor makes his autumn statement on the economy, will herald months of industrial unrest in a major challenge to the Government.

Ministers accused unions of rushing into action while negotiations were continuing, and business leaders urged the Government to stick to its guns in the face of the threatened disruption to public services.