Almost 300 council workers were on strike today over a national row over pensions.

Angry teachers, council staff and hospital workers joined together to strike, following government cuts to public sector pensions.

A rally was held outside the town hall at 11am, with speakers from trade unions and Wandsworth Against Cuts (WAC) addressing the crowd.

They then joined a march from Lincoln's Inn Fields to Victoria Embankment at 12pm, with 279 council workers participating.

Spencer Barnshaw, secretary of Battersea and Wandsworth Trade Union Council (BWTUC) said: "The government position on pensions is unacceptable to public sector employees.

"It is not only a national pensions issue. The cuts the council are making relates to people in all areas - they should be ashamed of some of the cuts they are making."

Dave Ashworth, council worker and member of GMB said: "We are striking for a good public sector pension and in defence of public services, we have to work longer hours with less staff."

Hospital staff were on strike outside St George's Hospital in Tooting since 8.30am on Wednesday (November 30), with around 100 workers positioned outside all five of the hospital entrances.

A spokesperson from St George's Healthcare Trust said they are urging the public not to call 999 or attend A&E unless it is an absolute emergency.

She said: "St George's Healthcare NHS Trust is prioritising patients who need emergency and specialist care and is working hard to keep as many other services open as possible."

Colin Anderson, a UNITE representative on strike at the hospital said: "It has been a difficult choice for NHS staff. We have had consultation with our employers to make sure emergency services are still covered, the main concern is to not jeopardise lives."

A total of 39 schools in the borough were closed today, with a further 41 staying partially open.

Refuse collections and the street cleaning service are operating as normal, as well as the housing benefits service and the register office.

All of the borough's libraries have remained open as usual, but Balham and Southfields libraries are closing earlier today.

Council Leader Ravi Govindia paid tribute to the 93 per cent of council employees working normally.

He said: “On behalf of the public I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to all those hard working and dedicated members of staff who are today providing the public with the same level of high quality service they have come to expect in Wandsworth.”