Rail strikes will have 'devastating' impact on sector

09-Jun-2022 - Last updated on 09-Jun-2022 at 09:58 GMT

Rail strikes: network disputes could have "devastating" impact on hospitality sector (Credit: Getty/urbancow)

Related tags Travel Coronavirus Health and safety Legislation

Rail strikes confirmed to take place later this month will have a “devastating” impact on the hospitality industry as it continues to rebuild following the pandemic, according to trade bodies and representatives across the sector.

The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, LIVE, Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA), Society of London Theatre, UK Theatre and UKHospitality have joined forces to issue a joint statement on the strike actions.

The statement said: “The proposed rail strikes will have a devastating impact on the theatre, live music and hospitality industries still re-building from the fall out of the pandemic.

“Our night-time economy relies heavily on the rail network to bring our audiences and staff safely to and from our venues, with 81% of London theatregoers using public transport and a similar proportion of hospitality customers.

Hugely damaging

“We need to work together to get passengers back on the railways and back in our towns and cities enjoying everything they have to offer.

“This strike would be hugely damaging for our sectors and feels counter intuitive when we are facing so many other challenges.

“We urge all stakeholders to come together to support a recovery that we can all benefit from.”

This comes as the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) yesterday (Wednesday 8 June) confirmed the biggest network dispute since 1989, in which 50,000 rail workers nationwide will strike, was to take place across multiple rail companies on Tuesday 21 June, Thursday 23 June, and Saturday 25 June.

Shockwave throughout industry

NTIA CEO Michael Kill added: “The announcement of UK wide train strikes has sent a shockwave throughout the industry, over concerns for staff and public safety, and the potential impact on trade.

“Limited Rail services across the UK will leave many stranded at night, compromising safety with very few alternative transport services available.

“The transport infrastructure within the night time economy is vitally important to our recovery post pandemic, particularly as we move into peak summer season for festival and events, and a critical time for tourism, who rely heavily on public transport.”