Autumn Statement : Osborne warns unions to call off mass strikes

The Chancellor has used his Autumn Statement to urge unions to call off the mass walk-out set for tomorrow.

George Osborne said the current deal on offer to public sector workers is fair to both them and taxpayers.

He told MPs: "The reforms are based on recommendations from John Hutton, a former Labour work and pensions secretary. He says it is hard to imagine a better deal than this.

"I would once again ask the unions why they are damaging the economy at a time like this, why they are putting jobs at risk at a time like this.

"Call off the strikes tomorrow. Come back to the table. Let's agree generous pensions that are affordable to the taxpayer."

Public sector workers are set to walk out in protest over changes to their pensions.

The government has already made concessions to unions on accrual rates, however, the strikes are set to go ahead tomorrow.