TUC to challenge Chancellor

Alistair Darling will address the TUC Congress in Brighton, where the Government came under fierce attack today as a programme of action and demonstrations was agreed over public sector pay.

One official said the Government would only have itself to blame if the Conservatives win the next general election.

Anger surfaced during the opening debate when delegates criticised the Government's policy of trying to limit public sector pay rises to 2% in the face of rising inflation.

The conference agreed to organise days of action against the pay policy including a national demonstration.

Unions also stepped up their campaign for a windfall tax on the profits of energy firms with Unite publishing a so-called Dossier of Disgrace showing how much money firms have been making.

Mr Darling has agreed to take questions after his speech and it emerged that these will include calls for a windfall tax and demands that public sector workers should have higher pay rises.

The Chancellor is expected to receive a polite reception but union officials made it clear they wanted to hear evidence that the Government is listening to union demands.

TUC President Dave Prentis made clear the unions' position when he urged the Government to make "bold decisions" on pay and taxes.

"What is wrong with a windfall tax? Sharing out the obscene profits of the energy companies would be popular."