Government holds talks to avert council strike

The government has invited council unions in for talks in a last ditch attempt to avert strike action across local government, SocietyGuardian.co.uk has learned.

The deputy prime minister, John Prescott, is due to meet public sector union leaders today - just a day ahead of the results of union ballots which could trigger a wave of council strikes in the next fortnight.

The talks have been resurrected after previous attempts to break the deadlock over pension changes failed two weeks ago.

Both the government and trade unions are anxious to resolve the impasse. However, if the talks lead to a further stalemate, unions will announce the outcome of their strike ballots tomorrow.

Unions are confident that members will give their backing to a series of strikes to force the government to delay the changes subject to further consultation.

Meanwhile, ministers are keen to avoid widespread industrial action so close to an expected general election.

Amicus, Unison and the T&G have all balloted members over the government's decision to introduce changes to local government pension schemes one year ahead of the rest of the public sector.

From next month, council newcomers will be expected to work until 65, with a phase-in period for existing local government staff to protect those close to retirement from the changes.

The attractive "85 year rule", whereby council staff can retire earlier if the length of their career and age combines to 85 years, will be withdrawn.

Members are also concerned about further pension changes proposed by government, though these are still out for consultation and due to be put in place in 2008.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister refused to give any details on negotiations to find a way through the pension row.

A spokeswoman for the department said: "Discussions are ongoing. I cannot confirm anything else."

Both Amicus and the T&G confirmed that talks were continuing to resolve the dispute.

Unions had delayed the issuing of ballot papers in the hope that the matter could be resolved following a period of intensive discussions which began at the Labour party spring conference late last month.

But after a compromise solution failed to materialise, the unions carried on with plans for strike ballots.