EAST Lancashire is bracing itself for ‘severe’ disruption to services when thousands of public sector workers strike against pension changes tomorrow.

According to union chiefs, more than 20,000 members are expected to walk out in East Lancashire as part of the TUC’s national Day of Action.

Among those set to strike are nurses, paramedics, midwives, headteachers, teachers, classroom assistants, civil servants, probation staff and waste disposal workers.

Police support staff and fire and rescue support staff are also expected to take part in the protest.

The day of action, the biggest of its kind for more than 30 years. It has been organised in objection to the Government’s plans to make staff pay more and work longer to earn their pensions. It is supported by all major unions, including Unite, UNISON and GMB.

Gareth Roscoe, UNISON branch secretary in Blackburn with Darwen, said “Public sector workers in the local government scheme voted 76 per cent in favour of strike action.”

Thousands of public sector workers from across East Lancashire are expected to march through Blackburn, setting off from outside the town hall at about 11.45am.

Click on the link below for school closures and how services will be affected.