George Osborne's hopes for union pension talks

Ministers say plans for public sector pensions will ensure they are "fair and affordable" but unions have accused them of sabotaging negotiations.

Treasury minister Danny Alexander will confirm the public sector retirement age will be linked to the state pension age, which is due to rise to 66.

The Chancellor George Osborne, during a visit to Northern Ireland, said it was important to agree a pension deal that was "fair for the taxpayer" and negotiations with trade unions were "within touching distance".