Thousands of civil servants across Northern Ireland staged a one-day strike today in a dispute over pay.
But there was dispute between strikers and civil service management over how many people actually joined the strike.
Trade union NIPSA said the strike had been "solidly supported" by its 20,000 civil service members.
However the North's Department of Finance and Personnel said 12,000 people were missing from work and assumed to be on strike - some 46 per cent of the total civil service.
There was widespread disruption, although all social security offices were said by the Government to be open. But NIPSA responded "They may be open but we don't think there are many staff in them."
There were thousands of empty desks in government departments at Stormont, and picket lines outside buildings.
Nine of 15 vehicle test centres did not carry out MOTs or driving tests, while four did only vehicle tests.
Road tax offices were closed across the North, and while the Belfast office was open, no tax discs were issued.
About 500 Belfast strikers attended a lunchtime rally at Transport House in the city centre.
The union has warned that when strikers return to work tomorrow they will begin a work-to-rule, and that "more extensive" strike action by selective groups in key areas would follow.
Speaking at the rally, NIPSA general secretary Mr John Corey said he was "very pleased at the solid support we have received from our members for this action".
But he said he was angered at the continued refusal of government to negotiate.
The union claims the pay settlement - which Finance Minister Mr Ian Pearson says he is implementing whether the union likes it or not - amounts in real terms to a pay cut.