As our nation commemorates the life of one of the most remarkable women of our times, Margaret Thatcher, the strident sounds of war drums are heard from some of this country’s leading unions.

There is talk of a general strike, the first since 1926, being organised to protest against what is perceived to be low levels of pay and pensions in the public sector, plus a general complaint about cuts.

In other words, the unions want to have a major moan, which will also give their leaders the chance to demonstrate how militant they are, and hopefully generate a much-needed increase in membership.

The sad thing about this industrial action is that it is pointless. All the participants will lose pay, and massive disruption is likely to be caused to British business. This at just a time when there are signs of a few green shoots of recovery.

There is little chance of the Government changing its position, for the simple reason that they have no room to manoeuvre. The plain fact is that, as a nation, we have huge debts which are not being paid off as fast as they should be. Until these are reduced, Chancellor George Osborne will have to keep a very tight hold on the economy.

Unions can criticise government on some of its policies, and probably make a good case in various areas, such as the rather naïve decision to reduce the top rate of income tax, psychologically very stupid, just handing ammunition to the opposition. They can also point to the fact that the coalition has failed to get money to the coal face of industry, but then again, the last Labour administration failed badly in this respect as well.

To consider or encourage strike action demonstrates, on the face of it, a complete lack of understanding of the basic problems confronting our nation. A strike will not generate change, but cause hardship, not only to their members, but to other hardworking people striving to get along in very difficult circumstances.

Perhaps union leaders should take a look at the current plight of other nations, and the suffering being endured across the board.

It could be so much worse here.

* Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm AE Harris