But Dave Sheridan, who was one of many different Wyre Council employees to go on strike, says it should never have come to industrial action in the first place.

He has slammed the Government for "short-changing" workers.

Mr Sheridan said: "There are some women who work as classroom assistants, for example, who are on pittance and the pay rise that union members are being offered is effectively a pay cut.

"It cannot be right that people on such low wages to begin with are being given such derisory rises, especially at a time when the cost of living is rocketing.

"I feel sure there is money in the Government coffers to pass on to local councils and offer hard working people more than they are doing.

"No one likes going on strike, but I felt the action we took sent a message to the Government about what is going on."

Unison, the country's biggest public services union, had been asking for a six per cent rise but were offered just under 2.5 per cent.

Members of the union cover a wide range of employees, including care assistants, refuse collectors, cleaners, teaching assistants and social workers.

A Unison spokesman said: "The union has a mandate for industrial action, following our ballot this year, and there is a strong possibility that there will be further industrial action in the future.

"We were very pleased with the level of support for the strike across the country. Much will now depend on what happens in terms of the Government and national employers. If there is an improved offer, further industrial action may not be necessary."