Half-term rail strikes 'to cost hospitality £132m'

The ongoing dispute between unions and train companies will cost the hospitality sector up to £132m during this half-term week, UKHospitality has warned.

As well as disrupting families’ travel and half-term plans, the move will also cause disruption for thousands of fans who are expected to travel to Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup final on 3 June.

ASLEF said train drivers at 15 companies will take strike action on Wednesday 31 May, and Saturday 3 June 2023 while RMT members will walk out on Friday 2 June.

This week’s industrial action comes after a series of strikes took place last autumn and winter, and earlier this spring. According to figures from UKHospitality, the cumulative effects of these strikes will cost the industry £3.25b.

UKHospitality’s chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The May half-term normally represents a bumper week for hospitality, with typically sunny weather encouraging families to head out on activities, visits and staycations.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen time and time again that rail strikes put a significant dampener on any sales as visitors are deterred from booking visits or eating and drinking out. This time around that means families staying at home and football fans travelling to the capital for the FA Cup final disrupted.”

Nicholls urged the unions and train companies involved to conduct “constructive discussions to reach an agreement” due to the critical nature of the hospitality industry to the public and workers.