STRIKE action could bring Herefordshire Council to a standstill as staff protest over proposed changes to their pension schemes.

A ballot by Herefordshire UNISON saw over 79% of staff - on a 28% turnout - vote to join colleagues across the country in strike action on Tuesday, March 28.

There are also plans for a rally of striking staff in Hereford city centre on the day.

John Rosser, of Herefordshire UNISON, said the issue affected staff across the whole range of council operations and at all levels.

Central government wants to scrap the so-called 85-year rule applying to local government pensions that means staff whose combined age and service amounts to 85 years can retire as early as 55 on a full pension.

The government says the rule breaches age discrimination laws and discriminates against women, who are more likely to start work with a council later and on a part-time basis.

Should the rule be scrapped, the retirement age for all local government staff would be fixed at 65 for new recruits from 2008.

Local government unions - the largest of which is UNISON - say 65 is out of step with the rest of the public sector.