FIVE MSPs say they will not be going to work as normal at Holyrood on Thursday in support of striking staff.

Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) members in the Scottish Parliament and related areas will be taking the action in a pay dispute.

They will be among members from Scottish Government and related bodies going out on strike. Government culture staff striking on Friday and across the justice sector will strike on Monday in a two month rolling programme of industrial action.

Scottish Green MSPs Patrick Harvie and Alison Johnstone, Independents John Finnie, Jean Urquhart and John Wilson say they will not cross the picket line outside Holyrood today. PCS members at Holyrood on strike during the working day.

Lothian MSP Ms Johnstone said: "PCS members are right to protest at the ongoing freeze imposed by the Scottish Government, and can be assured of continued backing from the Scottish Greens.

"Finance Secretary John Swinney has the power to end this unfair treatment."

The PCS are seeking a five per cent, or £1,200 pay increase for public sector workers. Lynn Henderson, PCS Scottish secretary said "The people of Scotland did not vote so overwhelmingly for a Scottish Parliament in 1999, only to have Tory pay policies imposed on its staff in 2015."