PREMIER Gordon Brown's reputation for economic competency took a hit when the global credit crunch led to a slowdown in growth and a decline in house prices, in turn affecting consumer confidence.

His government had to rescue Northern Rock bank, a casualty of the credit crisis.

His ministry has had to cope with the loss of bank data on half of the population and the programme for the unpopular national ID cards.

In January, he rolled back the capital gains tax, angering the Confederation of British Industry. In March, he watered down plans to tax rich foreigners after accountants and bankers complained.

Last week, 200,000 teachers staged their first national strike in 20 years in a bitter pay dispute. They were joined in a coordinated wave of strikes by civil servants.

On Sunday, nearly 1,200 oil refinery workers began a 48-hour walkout in a dispute over a plan to close a pension scheme to new employees.

Labour lawmakers revolted last week against Mr Brown's decision to abolish the 10 per cent bracket on income tax, pushing up tax rates for lowest earners. The revolt forced him to reverse his decision.