Public sector strikes: taking it to the streets – in pictures

Thousands of public sector workers and teachers march through London Photograph: Sang Tan/AP

Public sector workers take part in a march in Liverpool Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Public sector workers take part in the protests in Bristol Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Public sector workers take part in a march in London Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Protesters supporting the public services union strikes in Manchester Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

A woman arranges placards Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

An elderly woman protests outside parliament Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Boy holds a banner during a protest over pension reforms in Leeds Photograph: Nigel Roddis/Reuters

A man using a Vuvuzela as he takes part in a public sector worker march in London Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

People dressed as clowns pull faces during the march Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Public sector workers take part in a march through central London Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Public sector workers take part in a march through London Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Public sector worker Linda Slade prepares to take part in a march Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Police prepare to escort public sector workers Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

A young boy prepares to take part in a march with public sector workers through London Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Protesters march through Liverpool against pension changes and funding cuts Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Public sector workers display banners Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Union members hold a placards outside the Department for Education building Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

General secretary of the ATL, (Association of Teachers and Lecturers) Mary Bousted (L), stands on a picket line at Richmond upon Thames College Photograph: Luke Macgregor/Reuters

Passengers walk past an information sign in arrivals at Border Control, Heathrow Airport where some immigration and customs staff have joined a day of strikes Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA

A teacher forms part of a picket line outside Stretford High School, Manchester Photograph: Dave Thompson/PA

An activist in Trafalgar Square, is removed by police officers after putting up tents ahead of the strikes Photograph: Matt Dunham/AP

Activists put up tents in Trafalgar Square ahead of the strikes Photograph: Matt Dunham/AP