The move follows Unite’s decision to ballot its members at Balfour Beatty over industrial action as the unions attempt to flex their muscles in the construction sector.

Focus of the action will be November 30 when all public sector workers are planning protests over threats to their pensions.

Ucatt will be balloting its public sector construction members in local government, the NHS and the civil service.

Acting general secretary George Guy said: “Public sector workers are being hit by a triple whammy on their pensions by the Government.

“They are being told they will have to pay more, for a lower pension and they will have to work longer to receive it. This is totally unfair especially at a time when most workers have already had their pay frozen and inflation is rocketing.

“Ucatt workers in the public sector are already really struggling to make ends meet. Many members would seriously consider dropping out of their pension scheme, as they simply can’t afford the proposed increases.

“Strike action and balloting for industrial action is never taken lightly but the Government has refused to enter into meaningful negotiations after nine months of talks.”