Up to 1,000 Northern Ireland social workers are on strike in a dispute over funding and staffing levels in family and childcare services.

Northern Ireland's Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) authorised the action.

NIPSA, which is the biggest public service union in Northern Ireland, represents the majority of qualified social workers.

We are particularly concerned about the difficulties in securing residential places for children

John Corey NIPSA

The action, which is taking place on Wednesday, is part of its campaign to get the "necessary funding" for the health and social services trusts to properly implement the provisions of the Children (NI) Order.

NIPSA said many social workers were at breaking point.

Union spokesman John Corey said the move was necessary to highlight the problems social workers face.

"We are aware that there are technically waiting lists of children waiting to be assessed where children may be in need," he said.

"We are particularly concerned about the difficulties in securing residential places for children.

"We are just concerned that this side of social services has not been given the publicity and prominence it needs to be given and of the serious issues that need to be highlighted here."

A Department of Health spokesman said it "recognises the responsible manner in which the union has approached the issue by seeking to minimise large scale disruption to services".