This week we will get the latest figures on unemployment and inflation and we don't expect them to hold much comfort for working families.

While the number of people looking for work hit a 17 year high last month, people in work are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living remains high.

I will make sure that our voice is heard in Westminster and hold the government to account for what it is doing to our economy. And our campaign for decent pensions continues.

Last week UNISON's key elected activists gave the green light for negotiations to continue over potential changes to public sector pensions.

Those talks will now enter an intense phase but, if they fail, our ballot remains live and we still have the option of taking strike action.

When talks have concluded, we will put the final offers to all our members.

Dave Prentis, general secretary