A union was locked in a war of words today with mobile phone giant T-Mobile over apparent plans to scrap a final pension salary scheme.

The news came as the first industrial action in defence of a final salary pension scheme was announced by the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation (ISTC).

Members of the union at two Caparo plants owned by Labour peer Lord Paul will begin a work-to-rule on Wednesday ahead of a one day strike on Wednesday, July 17.

Workers at the factories in Scunthorpe and Tredegar in South Wales will then strike for one day a week.

Amicus, who represent workers at T-Mobile UK headquarters in Hertfordshire, are launching their campaign this week to save the pension scheme they claim is being targeted for removal.