The minister was accused then of a "hostile intervention" that "spiked" talks between unions and employers at which progress had made to settle the local government pension dispute.  It is understood that the minister will be writing now to UNISON, accepting the need for those negotiations to continue and giving an assurance that the outcome of further talks can be reflected in the regulations.

The draft regulations will now be published in about 2 weeks and will be subjected to a 12 week formal consultation period.  "Those of you who attended the lobby on 22nd November or who have lobbied or written to your MP separately, can give yourselves a large pat on the back for the political pressure you have created! UNISON head of local government Heather Wakefield  said in a message to members.

"Mps report unprecedented lobbying by UNISON members over the Local Government Pension Scheme.  Many are angry themselves at the way in which discussions with the Local Government Pension Scheme.  Many are angry themselves at the way in which discussions with the Local Government Association were brought to an abupt end by Mr Woolas unexpected announcement.

Ms Wakefield said that the talks with the LGA and Local Government Employers were likely to prove more difficult this time round, following Mr Woolas' earlier announcement.

 "However, we want the opportunity to take them as far as we can and to get a fair deal for existing and future LGPS members, through negotiation if possible.  It is important that we keep up the political pressure on MP's while talks take place