Strike dilemma

By colluding in this way, the public sector unions intent on causing as much inconvenience as possible – even though many parents, who work for a living, now face having to organise, or finance, alternative childcare arrangements.

Yet, while there will inevitably be comparisons with previous industrial action on this scale, the Prime Minister cannot afford to show any signs of weakness – especially as the unions appear, in part, to be motivated by a desire to create an even wider wedge between the Tories and the Liberal Democrats.

For, while the workers and teachers affected are understandably concerned about changes to their employment conditions, they must remember that public sector pensions are no longer sustainable and that everyone is going to have to make sacrifices.

No one, whether they are in the private sector or on the public payroll, will be extempt from this reality, though the challenge, from the Government’s perspective, is to manage this transition in a considered manner.

That said, this impasse should not preclude Mr Cameron from revisiting existing union legislation. Is it right that the country can be held to ransom by strike ballots where less than 50 per cent of eligible members actually cast their vote in favour of industrial action?

No it is not, which is why the Government will be perfectly within its rights to change this legislation if the likes of the National Union of Teachers, and others, are not prepared to enter into a reasoned dialogue about pensions.