THOUSANDS of local government workers in Hampshire are planning a second one-day strike later this month in protest over government plans to reform their pensions.

Workers are planning to down tools again on Tuesday, April 25, over the government's proposals to raise the retirement age for council staff from 60 to 65.

On Tuesday last week, cleaners, office staff, traffic wardens, police support staff and refuse collectors were among the 16,000 Hampshire council workers who staged a one-day walkout over the controversial plans.

They were angry that the government is planning to bar them from taking full pension rights until they are 65 - or accept a worse pension if they retire earlier.

Southamp-ton branch secretary for Unison Mike Tucker, pictured, told the Daily Echo: "We have every expectation that the strike will be as effective as the one last week.

"The strike was the best-supported industrial action Southampton has ever witnessed.

"Senior managers and part-time crossing patrol staff took part.

"There is very strong feeling about it. People feel they are being singled out."