Francis Maude: Strike action by public workers is 'totally irresponsible'

Up to 750,000 public sector workers will hold a co-ordinated strike later this month after members of a third major union backed industrial action.

The Public and Commercial Sector union said its 290,000 members had to defend themselves against "attacks" on their pensions by the government.

Cabinet Secretary Francis Maude said the proposed action is "totally irresponsible".