We certainly know schools have shut

Unison spokesman

Unison, which represents members in all 32 London boroughs, says London weighting is inadequate.

The union is calling for an increase in allowances, which range from �1,400 to �2,600 to account for the extra cost of living and working in London.

A spokesman for Unison said school support staff were among the lowest paid in local government.

"We certainly know schools have shut, although we can't say how many," the spokesman said.

"So we think we've got widespread support among our members for this dispute."

Test disruption

The union said it was not its intention to disrupt the National Curriculum tests being sat this week by 11 year olds.

The spokesman said many primary schools had stayed open for pupils to sit the tests, but were otherwise closed.

Only Unison members working in schools funded by local authorities were taking part in the action, he added.

"So if they were in a voluntary-aided school, for example, they would not be involved."