PUBLIC services in Basingstoke face disruption after union members voted to strike over a pension dispute.

A wave of anger among public sector workers has been prompted by Government plans to shake up the way in which pensions are paid.

Many unions believe that the new proposals will leave workers out of pocket.

Last month, members of UNISON and the Transport and General Workers' Union were balloted on whether industrial action should go ahead. An overwhelming "yes" vote now means the action is planned for Wednesday.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council employs most of the UNISON-registered workers who will be affected in the town.

There are also union members at Basingstoke hospital and in the police civilian support staff, but these branches have indicated that they will not join the action.

Martin Tubbs, UNISON secretary at the borough council, said: "It's one of those things that just has to be done.

"I'm very sad that it comes to this. We appreciate that it will be difficult for some people but it has become necessary. In effect we are being asked to work longer - only to be paid less at the end."

Transport and General Workers' Union members in Basingstoke Social Services will join the walkout.

Robert Saunders, shop steward for the Basingstoke branch, said: "On the team that I work on, there are no members who are not planning to strike.

"The office will be open but I cannot say what the level of provision will be."

The changes are due to come into force on April 1, and will see the age at which public sector workers can claim a full pension rise from 60 to 65. The age workers can claim a reduced pension will also go up, from 50 to 55.

Gordon Holdcroft, chief executive of the borough council, said the unions have informed the council they will be going on strike.

He added: "There will be a reduced service on that day from the council. We are assessing how the action will impact upon individual services.

"We will be doing everything possible to keep inconvenience to a minimum but we would ask the public to bear with us."

First published: Friday, March 18, 2005