While it is not yet known how many employees will take part in the action on Wednesday, August 20, union leaders are predicting that the strike will be well supported.

The one-day walk-out follows the rejection of a 2.5 per cent pay offer each year for the next three years.

The unions are demanding an increase of five per cent or £1000, whichever is the greater.

Linda Erskine, UNISON Fife branch secretary, said: "Members are angry that the employers want to lock them into 2.5 per cent increases for the next three years, while inflation is still rising and is set to continue."

Branch chairperson, Stevie Murray, said: "Local government workers are amongst the lowest paid in the public sector.

"At the lowest level staff on current hourly rate of £5.99 stand to gain the princely sum of 46p after three years."

While the majority of council services will be affected, Eric Byiers, executive director local community and housing services said: "We are continuing to work with the trades unions to ensure that essential services, protecting the most vulnerable people in Fife, can be maintained as far as possible.

"We have asked the unions to exclude staff working in such areas from the strike.

"This includes home care services, residential and day care services and transportation officers on emergency standby to deal with issues such as floods.

"However, the majority of services will be affected and it's likely that most council-owned buildings will be closed to the public, including local services centres and libraries.

"Although teachers aren't involved in the strike, many support staff such as education assistants and catering and cleaning staff are.

"We will only close schools on Wednesday if it is absolutely necessary, but parents should be aware of possible disruption."

Information about service disruptions across Fife will be available on the website www.fifedirect.org.uk