North’s public service workers begin one-day strike

Transport services in the North are facing major disruption today due to a strike by public service workers.

Up to 50,000 staff are expected to take part in the one-day stoppage in protest over British government plans to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65.

The strike is expected to have the largest impact on public transport services, with all bus and rail services already cancelled.

Thousands of schoolchildren are being forced to make alternative transport arrangements as a result and severe disruption to the school day is expected in many rural areas.

Elsewhere, school canteens, leisure centres and bin collections may be hit by the stoppage, while staff at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive are also planning a walk-out.