A UNION leader says essential services will be maintained during the biggest walk-out since the 1926 General Strike.

Up to five million public sector workers protesting at pension changes will stage a one-day stoppage on Wednesday, November 30.

The 16 unions involved in the industrial action expect that town halls, schools, Government offices, a large part of the health service, utilities and 999 back-room functions will be hit.

But Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, said during a conference in Durham City yesterday that vital work, such as emergency surgery and fire brigade control, would continue.

“We will make sure that essential services are maintained during the action – but it isn’t possible to take action without some effects on the public,’’ he said.

His members voted in a postal ballot 245,000 to 70,000 in favour of the stoppage – coordinated by the TUC – with the possibility of further action.

The turnout was 29 per cent – less than for council elections – but Mr Prentis said he was over the moon with the level of response and the majority for action.

He said plans to increase workers’ pension contributions and raise the retirement age, along with a two-year pay freeze, had angered them.

But he said the union still wanted to negotiate a settlement that would enable members to retire with dignity and not end up in poverty.

Critics of the action say many private sector workers can expect worse pensions because many big companies have ended final-salary schemes.

But Mr Prentis said that was no reason for public sector workers to have poorer retirements and said that the average female worker’s pension was £58 a week.

He said: “This isn’t a militant union taking action for the sake of it. We want a negotiated settlement.

“Many of our members are in a caring role, and just as they look after people in their hour of need, they want the public to support them.

“Our members are being asked to pay more to the Treasury to help pay off a deficit they did not create – while the people who did pay nothing get big pay rises and have pensions worth millions.”

Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude described the result as very disappointing and said a generous offer was on the table – although Mr Prentis said it was only a theoretical offer.

Mr Maude added that the ballot turnout indicated “extremely limited support” for the strike.