Public sector workers across the country will take strike action tomorrow to protest against the Government's plans for pension reform.

Caroline, who will be speaking alongside union leaders and student representatives at a rally at the Level in Brighton from 1pm, said:

"The Conservative-led Government's assault on public sector pensions is a serious concern for my constituents and for workers across the public sector.

"While recent moves by Ministers to improve the pensions package offered some hope, it's clear that we are still far from a genuinely fair deal.

"I regret the disruption caused by industrial action, but feel confident that union leaders have resorted to a full strike only as a last resort - because public sector employees up and down the country continue to feel that the Government is simply not listening.

"We must not forget that these are our nurses, teachers, civil servants - the people who provide the crucial services which we rely on every day.

"The Greens will not hesitate to lend our support and solidarity to them on November 30."

Cllr Bill Randall, Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, also commented:

"The proposals are little more than a stealth tax on public sector workers, many of them on low incomes.

"The money will be used to pay off the nation's debts. It's a political choice which penalises people who did not cause the problem.

"Meanwhile the Government offers giveaways to the financial sector that did.

"From the £70bn lost in tax evasion, to selling off the only profitable sections of Northern Rock at an overall loss, the Government has its focus in all the wrong places.

"Greens stand by public sector workers fighting against this Government raid. Nobody wants to disrupt services, but the Government has left the unions little room.

"I'm glad to say that the unions have agreed to maintain ‘life and limb' services throughout the day."

ENDS