PUBLIC sector workers returned to their jobs today after a 24-hour strike that saw a shutdown of services across Gwent.

Many schools, as well as leisure centres and libraries, were closed, while refuse collections were cancelled.

Bill King, UNISON Wales convenor, warned during a rally at John Frost Square, Newport, yesterday that there could be more walkouts if the row over changes to local government pensions is not resolved.

"If we don't get what we want there will be the possibility of stepping it up. This could involve two or three days."

Around 100 people attended the rally as union members made speeches.

Ruth Bishop, chairman of the Newport branch of UNISON and support assistant at Clytha Primary School, said: "We want to be taken seriously." Many shoppers in Newport supported the strike even though school closures meant many were left looking after children.

Sian Roper, 32, of Chaffinch Way, Newport, whose sons, Bradley, seven, and Nicolas, six, were home from Ysgol Gwmraeg Casnewydd Primary School, said: "I agree with the strike but am annoyed my children are missing a day of education."

Abergavenny market hall was closed by the strike for what is believed to have been the first time in more than 100 years, and market traders are threatening Monmouthshire council with legal action for loss of earnings.

Adrian Nelmes, chairman of the Abergavenny branch of the National Market Traders' Federation, said: "We were told we had a statutory right to hold a market on Tuesdays and Fridays under the charter and the local by-laws."