Unison members are due to take action tomorrow and Thursday in a bid to bring the Government back to the negotiating table to discuss a pay deal.

The union has said the 2.45 per cent increase offered was not enough to help them cope with the rise in the cost of living. They have asked for a rise of six per cent.

In East Durham and Durham City, 16 schools will be affected by the strike, while tenants of East Durham Homes and those trying to access District of Easington Council services will struggle as both close down.

They will only be offering access to help in emergencies until Friday, with picket lines expected outside the offices.

Durham County Council is still assessing what impact the strike will have on its work.

Howard Pink, regional organiser for Unison, said: "In terms of what people want, they want a direct pay rise to match inflation because of prices which are absolutely rocketing at the moment.

"A rise of 2.45 per cent will be a pay cut if that's imposed.

"Fears are that if employers get away with a below inflation pay rise this year, they will be looking to offer that next year and the year after that.

"It's very much about this year, but also letting them know they can't get away with it in future years as well.

"We want the best deal possible and want to see local Government workers keeping up with other public sector workers who have overtaken us over the years.

"It's regrettable to cause disruption, but it's the only way we can get the message across about how we feel and the importance of services to the public."

Schools affected by the action include Shotton Hall School, Acre Rigg Infant and Rosemary Lane Nursery in Peterlee, Blackhall Colliery Primary, Cotsford Infant and Horden Nursery in Horden, Easington Primary in Easington Village, Ropery Walk, Seaham Habour Nursery, St Mary Magdelen Primary and Westlea Primary in Seaham, Bullion Lane in Chester-le-Street and Belmont Cheveley Park Primary, Bowburn Infant Nursery, Durham Trinity, St Joseph's Primary in Durham.

John Richardson, acting chief executive of Durham County Council, said: "We are in the process of collating information but it too early to accurately predict the effect on services.

"However, the council is taking steps to ensure continuity of service to vulnerable groups including elderly and those in care within the authority."

EDH has said its customer services outlets in Peterlee and Murton and head office at Meridian Court in Shotton will be shut on both days, but an emergency repairs service will be available on its usual number.

Its contractors which carry out work on its behalf will not be affected, with pre-booked appointments to go ahead.

It's Durham Key Options scheme for prospective tenants will be advertised as normal, with bids accepted as usual, but those who would like to express interest in person will not be able to until its offices reopen.

Customers who made a bid in the cycle beginning last Thursday have been informed shortlisting will not take place until this Friday, with anyone with inquiries able to call 0800 032 0835.

The district council has published a list of numbers in case of emergency, but has said domestic refuse collections will continue as normal, but has issued a list of numbers in case of emergency.

These are: Transco to report a gas leak 0800 111 999, Northumbrian Water 0845 717 1100

NEDL, for problems with electricity supply, 0800 66 88 77, District of Easington Council Care Services 527 1089 and emergency homelessness 527 1089.