Cabinet Office minister, Francis Maude, has told The MJ the coalition is still committed to talks over pension reforms designed to avert economic disruption – just days before trade unions are poised to stage the biggest industrial walkout since the 1926 General Strike.

Seemingly resigned to the inevitability of strikes by unions representing over two million council staff, civil servants and health workers on 30 November's co-ordinated ‘day of action', Mr Maude expressed the hope disruption would be as limited as possible.