A new commission coming into force to tackle equality issues will be a "toothless tiger" unless the Government shows a renewed commitment to fighting discrimination, a union has claimed.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission needs extra resources and staff, said the Public and Commercial Services Union.
The Commission, which takes over responsibility for disability, race and sex discrimination, has the potential to take forward the equality agenda but this could be undermined by a lack of resources, said the union.
The PCS, which represents workers at the commission, said it feared it would be the victim of budget cuts which would hamper its ability to help victims of discrimination.
General secretary Mark Serwotka said: "Discrimination is still rife in 21st century Britain. If the body is to avoid being a toothless tiger then the Government needs to put its money where its mouth is and back its stated commitment to equality with the resources to root out and challenge discrimination."
The union is balloting all its members in Government departments and agencies for fresh strikes in protest at job cuts and low pay, with the result expected on October 23.
