COUNCIL staff, teachers, school support workers and firefighters will strike tomorrow over pay.

Members of the Nation Union of Teachers, Unison, the Fire Brigade Union, and the PCS will join forces tomorrow to take action.

The groups will come together outside Colchester’s Town Hall at 10am tomorrow.

Teachers from across Colchester are striking as part of an ongoing row over pay, pensions and an increasing workload.

Most schools will remain open, but Colchester Academy will be closed for the day.

Teachers will be handing out leaflets outside Colchester Sixth Form College between 8am and 9am, before moving to the High Street and then joining the other unions.

UNISON members, who work in public services, are taking action in protest at an offer of a 1 per cent pay rise.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said plans are in place to minimise disruption.

He said it is unclear what services will be affected until tomorrow.

Colchester Council is yet to respond to questions about potential disruption tomorrow.

Essex’s firefighters will be striking for nine hours as part of a national dispute over Government pension reforms.

The service is urging people to be extra careful during the period of reduced cover.

Assistant chief fire officer Paul Hill said: “Fire engines will still be attending emergencies and the public should continue to dial 999 as normal.

“But anything we can do to reduce the number of non-emergency calls during the strike periods over the weekend will clearly assist us in ensuring our service delivery is directed to those areas where it is most needed.”

Will you be affected by the strikes? Get in touch on 01206 508432 or email zoe.forsey@nqe.com.