TRADE unions in Huddersfield are joining together to protest over pension worries.

Members will be holding a public rally - hopefully in Huddersfield Town Hall at lunchtime on Friday, February 18 - to discuss changes to workers' rights.

A main topic will be the possibility of the Government raising the retirement age from 65 to 70.

Speakers from the fire service and Civil Service will be there to discuss possible action.

Paul Holmes, secretary of the Kirklees branch of the local government workers' union, Unison, is also expected to speak.

Bob Stoker, secretary of Huddersfield Trades Council, said: "People work a long time to receive decent pensions. They commit their lives to their work."

He said the threat of a rise in the retirement age had fuelled anger among many unions.

One of the largest unions involved in the rally is Unison.

Its members are employees in education, with councils and in hospitals.