Rail strikes set to cost hospitality industry £132m, says UKH

Upcoming rail strikes in May and June will cost the hospitality industry £132m according to UK Hospitality.

Members of the ASLEF union are set to walk out on 31 May and 3 June after the union rejected what it called a ‘risible’ pay offer of 4% per year for two years.

Furthermore, the RMT union is set to walk out on 2 June.

Signal workers and maintenance staff had voted yes on an agreement which would see them receive a 5% pay rise; however this offer was then revoked by the Rail Delivery Group.

As a result of this almost all train operators across the country will be affected and services will be limited.

The strikes are set to affect a number of major events including the FA Cup final at Wembley and a Beyonce concert at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Kate Nicholls, UK Hospitality chief executive, 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.That disruption throughout the week will cost £132mto the sector, bringing the total impact of the year-long strikes to an eye-watering £3.25bn.”

She added: “It’s critical for the public, workers and businesses that there is a resolution in this dispute as soon as possible. I would urge all involved to get back round the negotiating table for constructive discussions to reach an agreement.”