Wave of Public Sector Strikes set for Wednesday

The UK is warned of entering a mild recession by the OECD, with the eurozone crisis cited as a contributing factor. This complicates the British government's efforts to reform public spending. A strike is expected to cost half a billion pounds in lost productivity, raising questions about its impact on public opinion. The government's recent economic announcement is criticized for lacking seriousness.

What impact do ministers say the Wednesday strike will have on productivity?

How did the government’s economic announcement last week come about, according to the text?