With RPI inflation running at 5.4% and CPI inflation at 5.0% the pay freeze of the last two years has meant a cut in living standards of over 10%. The government’s own inflation forecasts, and imposed pensions contribution increases, will leave people more than 15% worse off.

General secretary Paul Noon said: “Once again, public servants are being forced to bear the brunt of this recession, even though they are not to blame. Our members are dismayed that on the day before they hit the streets over pensions, the chancellor is aiming yet another punch at them.

“He should pick on someone his own size and get serious about tackling the outrageous levels of high pay in our economy. It’s not militants who are itching for a fight, it’s the government. Our members are reasonable, reasoned and moderate specialists and professionals, whose expertise is often in short supply, and whose skills command a higher premium in the private sector.

“We’ve been inundated with membership applications, as members clamour to join tomorrow’s day of action on pensions. This government should get the message and start treating its public sector workers with respect and recognition.”

Noon added: “George Osborne is doing all he can to scupper any hope of a deal on pensions. By unilaterally announcing a change in the retirement age to 67 and by capping pay increases to 1%, he is making it even harder to reach a deal.”