Downing Street has confirmed that more than 10,000 schools have either closed or cancelled lessons as a result of the strikes over pensions - but insisted that only half of members of the Public and Commercial Services union, which represents civil service workers, have joined in, declaring Britain's borders "open for business" with air travel unaffected.

The prime minister's official spokesman said that 26% of schools are shut, 22% only partially open and 23% unaffected. They are still awaiting information about the other 29%. It means that more than 2 million pupils are affected by the action. Parents across the country, particularly in the major cities, have been forced to stay at home or make other arrangements for their children who are enjoying a day off school.