Greenwich libraries face severe disruption or closure during this week's school half-term when staff are expected to strike today and tomorrow following a dispute over staff cuts and pay.

Union action follows the October 14 strike which involved 86 library assistants, senior library assistants and Unite members walking out.

As a result only one of Greenwich’s 12 libraries was able to open.

The disagreement surrounds Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), the social enterprise company awarded the contract to run the borough’s library service by the council in 2012.

The company has said it will not replicate any pay rises awarded to local government workers, which was previously the case until a change in the law.

Unite regional officer Onay Kasab said: “We have warned GLL that there would be more industrial action, unless it gets around the negotiating table."

A GLL spokeswoman said: “GLL can confirm that an offer has been made to the union, which we hoped would form the basis of an agreement to avoid the strike action planned for today and particularly Friday.

“A constructive meeting was held with Unite today, however, library strike action is still scheduled by Unite for Thursday 30th October. Unite will then decide whether to accept GLL’s offer and rescind strike action on 31st October, or reject GLL’s offer, which will then be withdrawn.”