Scottish employees took part in a demonstration in Glasgow

The strike involved 9,500 workers and affects job centres and benefit offices in Scotland.

The Public and Commercial Services Union is considering legal action over the imposition of a new scheme of payment by performance.

It claims thousands of public servants are on low incomes while senior managers have six-figure salaries.

More than 200 members were expected to attend a strike rally at the T&G Union's headquarters in Glasgow city centre's Bath Street on Tuesday morning.

We cannot rule out further strike action unless they come to the table with a more realistic pay deal Eddie Reilly PCS union

The Public and Commercial Services union in Scotland said it was regrettable that society's most vulnerable people were affected by the dispute on Tuesday.

Scottish secretary Eddie Reilly said: "There is not a single town in Scotland that won't be affected today, there'll be no benefit payments or claims processed.

"It's unfortunate this will impact on the most vulnerable people in society but our members are being paid buttons.

"They have been fobbed off with below inflation pay rises - up to 40% of them earn between £10,000 and £12,000.

"We cannot rule out further strike action unless they come to the table with a more realistic pay deal."