Birmingham City Council workers strike over pay restructuring plans to eliminate equal pay claims

About 100 schools in Birmingham have closed today because city council workers are striking over pay restructuring plans.

Thousands of trade union members have walked out because many have been given salary cuts as the council tries to prevent future equal pay claims.

Although four in 10 workers will be better off under the new deal, more than 10% of the council's 41,000 employees will face a wage cut, with some losing more than £25,000 a year.

The council said in a statement: "Birmingham City Council regrets any inconvenience caused. Every effort is being made to keep as many services and buildings open as possible and return all services to normal after any stoppage."

Contingency plans have been put in place to ensure that all emergency and critical services are maintained.