ANGRY Greenock Sheriff Court staff are on strike today over proposals to scrap a long-standing pay scheme.

They are concerned about UK Government plans that threaten an incremental pay arrangement that has run for decades.

The PCS union strike has interrupted a trial, while a remand court is also thought to be affected, meaning a likely backlog of cases.

The Scottish Court Service said there was a 'possibility' the strike would upset court business across the country but could not give specific details for Greenock.

A court source said: "One court will run as normal but other business will be affected."

The staff join thousands of PCS members across the UK calling for talks over cuts to pay, pensions and terms and conditions.

The Treasury is considering scrapping a pay arrangement that allows staff to progress from minimum starting levels through a series of pay bands within grades. The civil service pay system goes back decades and is designed to help recruit and retain staff.