TUC target pop charts ahead of public sector strike

A group of 14 public sector workers, put together by the TUC, have released a pop song ahead of next week's strike.

Let's Work Together is a re-recording of a song which was a hit in the 1970s for both Canned Heat and Bryan Ferry.

A firefighter, teacher, nurse and probation officer are part of the group, who call themselves The Workers.

The TUC hopes it will be in the charts by 30 November when more than two million workers are set to hold a one day strike over pension changes.

About 40p from each sale will be donated to Age UK in a move aimed at showing support for pensioners.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber says the song captures the spirit of the public sector at its best and the determination of workers to defend services and proper rewards for staff.

"Not only does it capture the determination of public sector staff to reach a fair settlement of the pensions issue but also what is so special about the magnificent people who provide our vital services," he said.

"But better still, this is not just some karaoke sing-along. We have discovered some real stars who have made this into a track that will get even ministerial toes tapping."

Rosie Gosden, a midwife from London, whose daughter Viv - a midwife too - also sings on Let's Work Together, said: "This has been tremendous fun. It's a chance to do what I love best - singing - in the service in what I most believe, good public services."

But Billy Bragg who found fame as a protest singer in the 1980s is not so sure about the idea: "If you are going to put out records and try and be in the charts, you're in Simon Cowell territory.

"I think that's twentieth century thinking. There are cleverer ways these days with the internet to connect with young people."