HUNDREDS of thousands of council and school staff across England and Wales will start voting today on whether to strike over pay.

The ballot of Unison members comes after the union said an offer of £1,290 from local government employers fell short of what council employees need.

Unison also said the offer has been surpassed by deals achieved by some other public-sector workers.

When Unison consulted workers, 81 per cent opted to reject the sum.

Now over 360,000 social workers, teaching assistants, refuse collectors, caretakers, planning officers and other staff will be asked if they are prepared to strike.

Unison head of local government Mike Short said: “Local government finances are in a dire state, but that doesn’t mean staff should be denied a fair pay rise after 14 years of austerity and low wages.

“Employers still have time to come back with a better offer.”