The threat of more strikes by tens of thousands of civil servants could come closer this week when union bosses meet to consider industrial action.

Leaders of the Public and Commercial Services union will decide over the next few days whether to hold a ballot in the new year of its 250,000 civil and public services members.

The union is in dispute with the Government over jobs, pay and pensions and has accused the Coalition of planning attacks on working conditions. Staff in the Transport Department went on strike last Friday, stopping hundreds of driving tests.

On the same day, the PCS held lunchtime protests across the country warning of plans to cut back existing civil service terms and conditions, including hours, holidays, flexible working and other family-friendly policies.

Union members will be outside DVLA offices across the UK tomorrow lunchtime to protest at office closures.