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UNI stands in solidarity with its affiliates who have called this day of protest over the government's proposed changes which will leave their members paying more and working longer for lower pensions.

UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings said, “Today’s action is not only merited it is essential. The UK government like its counterparts in the rest of Europe has to start listening to the people. Even off-duty police officers are marching today against cuts. The British bobby on the beat and the man and woman in the street, have had enough! The government’s proposed pension reforms are part of the austerity measures which are being rejected across Europe.”

Among the public sector workers taking part in the 24-hour strike are civil servants, NHS workers - including paramedics - border force staff and lecturers.

Gail Cartmail, from Unite said members had rejected the proposals in a vote "by a very large majority. What the proposals mean is they will have to pay more, work longer and get less and they have said, by this very large majority, enough is enough," she told BBC News.

There were two days of industrial action last year in the dispute over public-sector pensions, including what the biggest strike in a generation on 30 November.

In a central London march, thousands of off-duty police officers are protesting against cuts to police funding and proposed changes to pay, pensions and working conditions.

The Police Federation says it is sending a message to the government that "enough is enough".