More than 2,000 workers are due to walk out today (May 10) in a pensions row.
JobCentre branches and tax offices could be forced to close because of the Public and Commercial Services union strike.
Courts also expected to be affected as workers protest against cuts to pensions.
The University and College Union and the Immigration Services Union will also be walking out.
Some college and university lessons may be cancelled.
The ISU is in dispute the government over plans to increase the retirement age for public service employees.
Unions warned of longer queues at Gatwick Airport as a “skeleton service” is put on.
Keith Johnston, PCS’s London and south east regional secretary, said up to 700 members from the Child Support Agency in Hastings could also walk out.
He said: “The first deductions are starting to come out of our members pay slips at the end of this month.
“It is having an impact and with rising inflation and living costs it is quite significant.
“Most of them are not well-paid. The average for our members if £50 a month, which could quite a big chunk of mortgage or rent payment.”
A rally will be held at Grand Parade in Brighton before a protest outside Brighton Town Hall.
Picket Health workers from Unite union will also be leafleting outside the Royal Sussex County Hospital at lunchtime.
Lecturers are due to picket at the University of Brighton and City College.
The college said it will remain open but some classes may not run.
Principal Phil Frier said: “We respect the right to take strike action and on a personal level may feel sympathetic to the cause.
"However, the college’s legal position is clear and has been set out in the letter sent to all staff either by email or post.
“Our first duty is towards our students and to ensure that we do our best for them.
“Unfortunately, on this occasion we have been unable to establish how many staff will strike and therefore, there may be some classes that do not run on Thursday.
"However, the college will remain open and students will have access to the LRC and also Catering facilities.
"Wherever it is possible classes will continue to operate.”
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