Schools, trains, buses and ports hit by biggest day of strike action for a decade

The Metro says Strikes are set to close schools and universities, cripple transport networks and disrupt public sector services today as unions stage one of the biggest days of co-ordinated action for a decade.

At least 23,000 schools are expected to be affected as teachers walk out over pay, joined by university lecturers, train and bus drivers and civil servants including staff at driving test centres, museums, ports and airports.

As well as pickets across the country there will also be ‘right to strike’ protests over a new government bill demanding minimum service levels in crucial sectors during industrial action.

Downing Street conceded the mass walkout will cause significant disruption and make things ‘very difficult for the public trying to go about their daily lives’.