MEMBERS of the public gave a mixed reaction to the strike action in Newport yesterday.

Father-of-one Richard Flint, 33, from Baneswell in Newport, said in John Frost Square: “Fair play to the marchers, they put a lot in and now the government are moving the goalposts.

“Mistakes have been made and everyone is struggling now, but it seems to be the public service workers who are always first to go.”

Mum Caron Evans, 44, from Bassaleg, had mixed feelings.

She added: “I just can’t condone taking children, like my daughter, out of school and I think the rally would have been better served in the summer, when the kids are on holiday.”

Gerald Baker, from the Gaer, was told he did not have to sign on for his job seekers’ allowance yesterday.

He said: “If it was us being late we would be penalised, but it was alright for them to go on strike whenever they feel like it.”