Calls from business to cut corporation tax and improve tax competitiveness have been described as a 'tax dodgers' charter' by the Trades Union Congress.

The TUC said pressure from big business and the Conservatives for tax cuts would lead to cuts to public services and compromise government's fight against child poverty.

The CBI has called for Alistair Darling to pledge to cut corporation tax to 18% within 8 years in his Budget on Wednesday, the Engineering Employers' Federation is pushing for a rate of 25% by 2010 and the Conservatives want the rate cut to 25%.

'The Chancellor must use his budget to give a firm no to this special pleading,' said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

Further reading:

Read the TUC statement on tax cuts here

CBI urges ‘radical’ overall’ of UK’s corporate tax