STAFF at schools, hospitals, councils and fire stations across York, North and East Yorkshire look set to take part in a day of strike national action on Thursday.

The day could be the largest one-day strike over pay by public sector workers since 2010 and includes members of the NUT, GMB, Unison and Unite as well as the Fire Brigades Union.

A public sector pay freeze was introduced in 2010, and in 2012 the Government brought in a pay cap of one per cent, which is still in place.

Some schools have already announced their intention to either close or part close on the day and some passport services and local government work will be restricted.

If the strike goes ahead, in North Yorkshire Easingwold School will shut to all pupils as will East Whitby School with Le Cateau School at Catterick Garrison, Harrogate, Hookstone Chase School and Upper Wharfedale only part open. In York a spokeswoman for City of York Council said a list of school closures will be released on Monday.

Kersten England, chief executive of City of York Council, said: “Whilst we are expecting a certain amount of disruption, our priority is to minimise this and ensure all life and limb services remain open.

"We are putting contingency measures in place to ensure that this happens. Following the strike we will work to bring services back to normal quickly and where there is any backlog caused I would like to thank residents in advance for their continued cooperation and patience.”

Those on strike in York and North Yorkshire will meet at Clifford's Tower in York at 12pm on the day before starting a rally in St Sampson's Square at 1pm.

An East Riding of Yorkshire Council spokesperson said: "The council will seek to keep residents updated through the local press and through the council's website. Information on service impact and closures, including schools, will be on a regular basis as circumstances change.

"The council would advise residents to continue to monitor the situation closely and be prepared to make any alternative arrangements as may be necessary."

Matt Wrack, the FBU general secretary, said: "The fact that this government has united so many workers to take strike action against them is a testament to the failure of their policies. They are destroying our public services and wrecking the lives of millions."

Local government minister Brandon Lewis said: "The government believes a solution can be reached, but not under the shadow of industrial action."