The military could be drafted in to limit disruption caused by planned strikes before Christmas.
The government said military personnel could be deployed as ambulance drivers and firefighters.
It said about 2,000 military personnel, civil servants and volunteers are being trained to support a range of services, including Border Force at airports and harbors.
It said a decision to deploy troops had not yet been made, but troops “are part of the options available if offensive action in these areas goes as planned”.
The UK faces a wave of strikes this winter, which will affect services including transport, the NHS, education and delivery drivers.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to take industrial action as the UK is gripped by an economic downturn and cost of living crisis.
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Strikes every day before Christmas – which sectors are affected and why
“Many unions have decided to go on strike in the coming weeks, leaving millions facing disruption over the Christmas period,” the government said.
“Many unions are asking for a wage increase in line with inflation or even more – although comparable increases in the private sector have averaged four to six per cent so far this year.
“The government realizes these are very difficult economic times. That’s why the government is focusing on controlling inflation as the best way to help people’s money go further and avoid the rate of inflation. rising inflation affects the UK economy.”
The Government added: “There is still time to cancel the planned strikes and ministers have repeatedly urged unions and employers to keep talking and coming to an agreement, rather than an agreement. take preemptive industrial action.”
