Unions devise action plan to minimise effects of recession

Irish and British trade unions have devised a plan to minimise the damage caused to working people and their families by the recession.

Representatives from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the UK's Trade Union Congress and the Welsh and Scottish TUCs met for talks in Wales.

They have devised a 10-point action plan advising Governments to encourage banks to lend money, increase pay and unemployment benefits and support fair pay for all workers - including those in the public sector.