Voices from the picket line: Public sector staff justify strike

Strikes are taking place across the UK in a series of disputes with the government over pay, pensions and cuts, with more than a million public sector workers expected to join the action.

Teachers, firefighters, librarians and council staff are among those taking part from several trade unions, with rallies due to be held across the UK.

Firefighters in Newcastle and GMB members in Birmingham have been explaining why they are taking industrial action.