As teachers in Cornwall who are members of the National Education Union take part in their first day of strike action today, a rally is being staged in Truro over the right to strike.

The action takes place on Lemon Quay from noon to 2pm today, February 1.

Similar events are being organised across the country by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in protest at Government proposals under which, some employees, including in the rail industry and emergency services, would be required to work during industrial action in order to preserve minimum service levels - and could be sacked if they refuse.

A bill is going through Parliament at the moment and is due to be debated in the House of Lords next. Unions have criticised the bill as an attack on the right to strike, and have threatened legal action if it passes.