Public sector strikes hit schools and services around the UK

Strikes are taking place across the UK in a series of disputes with the government over pay, pensions and cuts, with more than a million public sector workers expected to join the action. Firefighters, librarians and council staff are among those taking part from several trade unions, with rallies taking place across the UK. Thousands of pupils are missing lessons as many schools are closed. The Cabinet Office blamed union leaders for ‘irresponsible’ strikes. A spokesman said ‘most public sector workers had reported for work and ‘nearly all key public services are being delivered as usual’. One fifth of civil servants - fewer than 90,000 workers - were on strike, 717 Jobcentres were unaffected and the ‘majority’ of schools in England and Wales were open. The Local Government Association said around 95% of council staff were at work across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Thousands of people have been taking taken part in marches and rallies across the UK, with an estimated 1,500 people marching through central London and 2,000 people in Brighton, according to police. Other large rallies are being held in Birmingham, Newcastle, Swansea and other cities. Picket lines have also been mounted outside courts, council offices, job centers and fire stations across the country as well as outside the Houses of Parliament in London according to BBC.