A government minister has appealed to the public sector not to carry out further strikes, saying it would be “an act of self-harm” for the economy.

Speaking to Sky News, Robert Jenrick said international factors are “beginning tentatively to work in the right direction”, with energy prices starting to fall, for example.

But he said if the government met the demands of trade unions to increase pay by double-figures, it would “entrench inflation in the British economy and get into a kind of wage spiral that would be very detrimental to the economy”.

The minister’s remarks come as thousands of nurses stage their latest walk-out in England in an increasingly bitter battle with the government.

Nursing staff from more than 55 NHS trusts will take part in industrial action today, with two further strikes to be held next month, as the Royal College of Nursing continues to fight for a 5% above inflation pay rise – though it has hinted it will accept a lower offer.

Head of the union Pat Cullen, said: “People aren’t dying because nurses are striking. Nurses are striking because people are dying.”

Thousands of Environment Agency staff across England are also taking industrial action today, including river inspectors, flood forecasting officers, coastal risk management officers, sewage plant attendants and staff at the Thames Barrier.