A special report on the effects of the strike on Liverpool's business community by Larry Neild, City Editor, Graham Davies, Liam Murphy and Kate Mansey
MERSEYSIDE'S economy lost £10m as a result of yesterday's action, one of the region's leading economists said last night.
A separate survey by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce showed two thirds of businesses in the city had suffered staffing problems as a result of the walkout by public sector workers.
More than a third of people did not turn up for work, either through absenteeism or taking a day's holiday, with 34% of staff arriving late for work.
One in six businesses surveyed also reported that the day of action would have an impact on profits.
The chamber has been told by some of its members that they are considering legal action against unions to claim compensation for their losses.
Chamber spokesman Stephen Pearse said: "The question has been posed whether the strike has a legal foundation because it is not a dispute between employees and employer, but over a Government issue."
The chamber said 17% of workers took a holiday, 14% were officially or unofficially absent and 34% arrived late.
More than three quarters of companies said the action had had an adverse effect on trade.
Productivity was cited as the biggest impact, with 28% reporting reduced output.
Around 17% had to re-write schedules for the day, mainly re-arranging business meetings and 17% had had to re-route staff to reach intended destinations.
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