Unison members have voted to take industrial action on 30 November over the government's plans to reform public service pensions, heralding the biggest mass-strikes since 1979.

In all 245,358 votes were polled agreeing to action and 70,253 against on a 29% turnout of the union's 1.3 million members working in councils, the NHS, police forces and the wider public sector.

Among local government members, some 171,428 votes were cast in favour of strike action - 76% of the total - on a turnout of 30%.

Government offered an enhanced offer on public service pensions yesterday, promising to raise cost ceilings by 8% and ensure staff due to retire within the next ten years would be unaffected by proposals based on Lord Hutton's review.   Cabinet Office Minister, Francis Maude has warned the 'more generous' pension deal would be withdrawn if strikes go ahead  'The new deal is conditional on agreement being reached,' Maude said.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: ‘Yesterday's statement in Parliament was a marked improvement on earlier proposals.

‘But, it is important to understand that the statement has to be translated into offers in the scheme specific talks. We still have had no offer in those negotiations, where such an offer can legitimately be made.

‘We support the TUC day of action on 30 November, but will be negotiating right up to then and beyond to get a fair deal for our members.'

Responding to the strike vote, Sir Merrick Cockell, chairman of the LGA said ‘It is regrettable that Unison members have voted in favour of strike action which could put the delivery of vital services that the public rely on at risk.' 

Sir Merrick said town hall employers remain willing to continue talks on reforming the Local Government Pension Scheme to avoid ‘strike action that could impact upon the lives of the most vulnerable.'

Smith Square's approach would, he added ensure long-term viability so members get a reasonable retirement income, protect the lowest paid from contribution hikes and give employees unable to face higher levies the option of a reduced accrual rate from 2014.