Public sectors workers in Harrow paraded with placards today (Wednesday) as part of a national two-day walkout over pay.

Members of the UNISON and Unite unions - which represent professionals including social workers, benefit claim workers, roadsweepers and teaching assistants - picketed Harrow Civic Centre in Station Road, Harrow, and Harrow Council's environmental services depot in Forward Drive, Wealdstone.

Harrow Council is the borough's largest employer and union representatives expect up to 2,000 employees to continue the 48-hour industrial action tomorrow (Thursday), having negotiated with the authority that essential roles, such as care home staff, would not leave their posts.

However Harrow Council said official figures show the number of employees on strike is nearer 500.

Brent Council workers are picketing Brent Town Hall in Forty Lane, Wembley, as part of a two day stoppage.

Gladstone Park Primary School in Dollis Hill is closed today (Wednesday) and tomorrow and years seven, eight and nine pupils at Alperton Community School have also been told not to come in until Friday.

Brent Council said it does not expect its services to be severely disrupted.

The strike was called after members rejected a 2.45 per cent pay offer in the face of calls for a pay rise of an minimum of 6 per cent or 50p, whichever is the greater.

In a statement, the Harrow branch of UNISON said previously: "In Harrow Council, it is evident that there is one rate for the poor and one for the rich.

"As reported in the Harrow Observer recently, the 10 top earners in the Council received over s100,000 in 2006-2007, sickening for those staff on lower pay bands and separate terms and conditions."