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Council workers have threatened to lodge thousands of equal pay claims against Cheshire County Council if it does not take notice of its planned industrial action.

Public service union Unison claims the implementation of a pay grading system has failed to address the gender pay gap which sees mainly women workers getting a poor deal.

The union has promised more strikes like the one which closed nine special schools and caused disruption at several others last week.

The Single Status Agreement is meant to harmonise pay and conditions for staff based on experience and service across local authorities.

Malcolm Dolman, single status officer for Unison, said the pay structure didn't provide for a fair solution.

The council said talks are continuing at a regional and local level in an attempt to find a solution.