In Nottingham there were a number of picket lines outside schools, colleges and offices. At 10am, strikers and supporters met at the Forest recreation Ground. Several hundred arrived despite the crap weather. They marched down Mansfield Road, led by the South Notts NUT banner, into market Square and on for a rally at the Congregation Hall.

The rally was well attended and addressed by speakers from the National Union of Teachers (NUT), Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), University and Colleges Union (UCU) and Unison. Much was made of the importance of unity amongst public sector unions and workers' determination to continue the fight.

As long as the unions don't bottle it, this could be the start of a long fight. Watch this space.