250,000 civil servants are on strike across the UK on Wednesday as part of nationwide action from the sector's union, PCS.

The strike relates to pay and pensions, with PCS members, who include customs, immigration, benefits and Jobcentre staff, wanting a 5% pay rise, or £1,200.

A union spokesman said categories of workers involved in the action included staff in jobcentres and benefits and tax offices; UK Border Agency and customs staff at borders; passport agency employees; admin and training staff in prisons; driving examiners, coastguards, and staff at the DVLA; staff at some museums and galleries; and Police Community Support Officers.

The action comes as Chancellor, George Osborne,announces the budget for 2013. Spending cuts are expected, with estimates citing £2.5 billion in total.