STRIKES are set to cause chaos across Worcestershire today as public sector workers down tools in a row over pensions.

Teachers, lecturers, civil servants and other workers are all planning to walk out and join marches and rallies after talks about proposed reforms to pensions – which would see many working longer for less – reached a deadlock.

Nationally, 750,000 people are expected to strike. In Worcestershire, this means 91 schools will be closed or partially shut, while only one court will be running at Worcester Magistrates Court.

It was not clear yesterday how Birmingham airport will be affected by immigration and customs officers joining in the action.

Driving tests could also be cancelled – although Driving Standards Agency, which runs the test centres, was advising people to still turn up for their exam.

Chief executive Rosemary Thew said: “Not all examiners are members of the PCS union and even if they are, we cannot be sure that they will not turn up for work.

“We therefore want candidates to attend so that practical tests can be delivered if possible. Theory tests are not affected.”

But while many are predicting business as usual – including council services and crown court – there are fears the day could negatively affect the already slow economy, with many parents forced to take the day off causing them to lose pay and their employers a day’s work.

It has also been suggested that those in rural areas will be hardest hit. Ivan Annibal, author of the Rural Insight survey said it was already increasingly hard to live in rural communities.

• How are you coping with the strike today? E-mail wenedit@worcesternews.co.uk