The Unison and Unite unions have announced national strikes will take place on 16th and 17th July to protest at a below inflation pay offer of 2.45 per cent.

Workers have voted in favour of the two-day strike which could involve social workers, librarians, school kitchen workers and finance workers.

At Mansfield District Council, a spokesman confirmed there were 320 Unison members of staff who were mainly clerical workers, but it was not yet clear which services would be affected.

And a Nottinghamshire County Council spokesman said there would be strike exemptions so essential services for vulnerable people would not be affected.

Announcing the strikes, Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: "Throughout the union and across the country our members working in local government have given sustained strike action the green light.

"This decision has not been taken lightly, but years of pay cuts and recent hikes in fuel, food and housing costs has left them with little choice."