They want the rate for council workers to be increased by up to £2,600, but employers say this would cost local councils an extra £250m.

The action, which coincides with a teachers strike in London, is affecting schools, housing benefit offices, libraries and refuse collections.

The Unison stoppage follows the tenth meeting between the employers and unions on 12 September, when the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

Meeting the £4000 London weighting...would mean raising council tax by £90 a year, axing 11,000 jobs or cutting services

Cllr Ann John

A spokesman for the Association for London Government said the disruption will vary from borough to borough.

Dave Eggmore, from Unison, said: "Unison members just do not believe the money cannot be found to meet our claim.

"When we witness councillors awarding themselves huge increases in attendance allowances, and paying consultants to advise them on low pay, we know that there is money in the system.

"Rather than pay out money to agencies to provide temporary staff, councils should be making jobs attractive and rewarding."

Councils struggle

The union wants a flat rate rise of £4,000 a year to help their members meet the costs of living in London.

Currently council workers can expect London Weighting allowances of between £1,400 and £2,600.

Councillor Ann John, chair of the employers' side of the Greater London Provincial Council, a body made up of elected members from London councils and trade union representatives said: "London councils will struggle to pay for the recently agreed pay rise for council workers across the UK.

"This will give workers a 7.7 and 11% boost over two years.

"London authorities simply can't afford to give workers a second rise.

"Meeting the £4000 London weighting demand would cost the capital's councils £250m.

"This would mean raising council tax by £90 a year, axing 11,000 jobs or cutting services."