Further rail strikes will be 'catastrophic' for hospitality industry

Further rail strikes could have a “catastrophic” impact on the hospitality industry after late-night venues suffered a 40% drop in trade during previous industrial action, a trade body has warned.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) said the announcement of further strike dates was “hugely concerning” for the sector.

Train drivers at eight rail companies will strike on 30 July in a dispute over pay, union Aslef has said.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) at Network Rail and 14 train operators will also strike on 27 July and on 18 and 20 August.

The rail and London Underground strikes over four dates in June saw hospitality venues hit with mass cancellations, while some hotel staff had to find guests alternative travel arrangements.

Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA said: “Our industry is suffering heavily from rising costs as inflation reaches a high, with most reporting an estimated loss of up to 40% in trade from previous strike activity. We must come together to support a recovery we can all benefit from.

“Any consideration of long-term strike action would be catastrophic. Sporadic weekly or daily planned strike action is eating into consumer confidence and will lead to an irreparable loss of business and jobs after so much hard work has been put into recovery in the last 12 months.”

“Our sector is at a critical point in building to pre-Covid business levels as we embark on one of the most important summer festival seasons.”

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