THOUSANDS of public sector workers across East Lancashire are taking part in a nation-wide strike today over pay.

Members of Unison, GMB, Unite and the Fire Brigade Union have taken to picket lines across the region.

The Public and Commercial Services Union and members of the teachers union, NUT, are also taking part, forcing some schools to close for the day.

VIEW THE LIST OF SCHOOL CLOSURES IN LANCASHIRE HERE

John Lewis, Unison North West’s head of local government said: “A decent pay rise for local government and school support staff is long overdue. People are really struggling on poverty pay.

“A pay rise is affordable and much of the cost would be re-couped in higher tax revenues and lower benefit payments.

“A pay rise would also benefit local economies as it would boost spending in local shops.

“People don’t go on strike lightly but our members see no alternative to taking action now.”