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Sir Ken Jackson, the head of the engineering union AEEU, is a key player trying to defuse the tension between the unions and the government at the forthcoming TUC conference.

Government plans to allow greater private involvement in the provision of public services have angered many unions.

Some leaders have threatened to lead mass protests unless the government backs down.

Sir Ken Jackson argues that the union movement must reach a compromise with Labour - or thousands of construction jobs could be at risk.

But he also warns that manufacturing jobs are at risk if Britain delays entry into the euro.

Can the unions reach a compromise over privatisation plans? And should the government tackle the problems of "fat cat" salaries? How can we save UK manufacturing?