World Cup atmosphere as marchers blow vuvuzelas

The instruments used by football fans in South Africa were blown as union members passed through the streets and then in response to series of addresses.

Banners from University and College Union, the National Union of Teachers, Unite, Unison, GMB and the Fire Brigades Union were all carried and flags were waved by the 6,000-strong crowd. Addressing the rally, Liz Lawrence from the UCU, said: “Our members are out on strike today in defence of our pensions, and we are really, really proud to be out on strike with so many in such a great show of solidarity.

“We have done the work, we have delivered the public services and it is not acceptable for the Government to turn round now and say sorry we are not paying your pension.

“Public sector pensions were reformed in 2006 which brought in new arrangements for new starters and there is no economic case for further reforms, because the schemes are affordable.

“The Government wants to make us pay for the crisis of the bankers, that is what this is really about.

“We must say to the Government that this is not just one day of protest and then some scheme is negotiated which will destroy our pensions.

“We must go on strike until we win.”

John Stevenson, the GMB spokesman at Sheffield Council, also spoke to the gathered crowd.

He said: “I look around and I am amazed that so many people are sending this Government a clear message: Hands off our pensions.

“Yesterday they sent us a message – if you work in the public sector, your pay is capped at one per cent. That is just brilliant isn’t it?

“What we need to do is send this Government that clear message, I want you to rattle the windows in Parliament because its the poor and people like us who are getting it again.”

Other speakers included leaders of South Yorkshire branches of Unison and the teachers’ union NASUWT who criticised the mistakes of bankers for the measures being suggested by the Government.

Unite regional officer, Pat Pepper, said: “Our members have voted for this action reluctantly, but they are resolute in their determination to stand up to the bully boy tactics emanating from Government Ministers in recent days.

“Our members and the public both know the truth – which is that ‘gold plated pensions’ for public sector workers are a myth peddled by politicians and the media.”

South Yorkshire Police’s temporary Assistant Chief Constable Bob Sanderson, who led yesterday’s policing operation, said last night: “Once again people within the county have shown that they can make their voices heard in a peaceful manner.

“We are more than happy that the protests and rallies have proceeded with minimal disruption to the general public and with minimal use of police resources.

“As anticipated, a number of police support staff in call handling roles exercised their right to take industrial action from midnight.

“In order to continue to provide the level of service the public expected from us the force invoked prepared contingency plans that involved supplementing the communications staff who chose not to strike with trained police officers, who have the skills to fulfil the call handling role.

“Normal service levels have been maintained without any noticeable disruption to members of the public.”