Half the UK population backs strike action over pensions by public sector workers, a poll for the London Metro newspaper revealed today.

Carried out between 14-17 October, the poll found that 47% of voters thought industrial action over the government's planned pension changes was justified.

The same proportion thought strike action would be unjust, with 6% of voters undecided. More than 1,000 people were polled nationally by the Urban Life research organisation.

Attitudes towards industrial action varied widely between supporters of different political parties, with 68% of Labour supporters and 45% of LibDems backing action but only 17% of Conservatives expressing support.

Dai Hudd, Prospect deputy general secretary, said it was encouraging that so many people understood why public sector workers felt strongly about the issue.

"The message that the changes are unfair is clearly getting through to people, even those employed outside the public sector. Now we must work even harder to turn this result into a majority."