TRADE unionists across Britain are to take part in a TUC-backed workplace day of action for Palestine next Thursday.

Workers are calling on the government to ban all arms exports, immediately recognise the state of Palestine, ban the trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements and ensure Palestinians can access humanitarian aid. 

After thousands of people took part in workplace days of action last year, workers are again being encouraged to organise acts of solidarity, which could include a two-minute silence, a stall outside their workplace, a bake sale or simply wearing the colours of the  Palestinian flag.

A lunchtime rally at Hackney College in east London, called by the University and College Union, and a reading from Palestinian writer Mosab Abu Toha’s new book of poems at York St John’s University are among the actions announced so far.

There will also be a demonstration in Oxford, organised by groups including the local branches of the Stop the War Coalition, Unison, Unite and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.