Dave Prentis has warned ministers against introducing "more markets and competition" in public services.

Addressing the Labour conference, the Unison general secretary called on Gordon Brown to implement a new agenda.

This would mean the prime minister "sorting out the problems that previous New Labour policies have created", he told delegates.

He cited "an obsession with markets and competition" and "too much money wasted on pointless upheavals".

"And thousands of loyal Labour activists paid the price on May 2 when council after council turned Tory, the map turning blue," he said.

"Well, the tide is turning. A new leader, goodwill in abundance rightly showered on Gordon and his new team.

"But in return our government has got to show that it is taking action."

Prentis warned against changes that take power away from local councils and end collective decision-making.

He rejected moves to introduce "more markets and competition" at a local level, saying these were "not new policies but failed policies from the past".

"We need respect for public service workers and that has to start with equal pay," he added.