Tube strikes: hospitality warns businesses put at risk

The bosses of some of London’s biggest hospitality groups have signed a letter urging against further tube strikes during the Christmas season.

Fuller’s, Greene King, Drake & Morgan, Côte Brasserie, Tossed and Wasabi are among those warning strikes could cost venues 70% of their daily income.

It comes ahead of a fresh wave of tube strikes this week, with drivers’ union Aslef set to walk out on Thursday 7 November and Tuesday 12 November.

The letter, which has been co-ordinated by UKHospitality, said: “Our request to you as leaders of your respective organisations is to conclude these negotiations swiftly, or risk permanent damage to the London economy.

“A strike at any time of year means hospitality businesses can lose 70% of that day’s income. But in this crucial period the effect is even worse, and a strike cancelled at the last moment will probably be too late to stop the negative impact. 

“Bookings for large parties are already cancelled, or never made at all. Coverage in global media will mean some potential visitors to our city have decided not to risk a visit.

“Some hospitality businesses make up to 40% of their annual takings in the two months before Christmas. Losing income at this time of year can and does put the future of these businesses at risk, and with it, people’s jobs.

“We ask only that you swiftly conclude the negotiations before the impact on our businesses and our city becomes unacceptably high, threatening the livelihoods of those working in it.”

The RMT Union called off planned strikes for November but said negotiations over a pay deal were ongoing.