A new set of rail strikes have been described as a “hammer blow” for the hospitality business as it enters its peak summer season.
A fresh round of strikes by the RMT is expected to disrupt national networks during July, with an estimated 20,000 workers set to walkout.
The rail trade union said train operators had failed to make a new pay offer and that as a result members from 14 rail companies would go on strike on 20, 22 and 29 July.
“Venues will have been gearing up for bumper sales as schools break up for summer holidays and major sporting events, such as the Ashes and the Open, attract thousands of fans”, UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls said.
With strike disruption over the past year already costing the hospitality sector £3.25 billion in lost sales, Nicholls said there was no doubt that figure would increase as a result of these strike days.
“Businesses, workers and consumers all lose out and confidence in our critical transport network is taking a fatal blow”.
She called on the government, rail companies and unions to reignite negotiations and “get back round the table as a matter of urgency”. “Sectors like hospitality continue to be collateral damage in this dispute and I would urge all parties to reach a resolution to avoid further damage to the economy.”
