Tube strikes go ahead in ‘another heavy blow’ to London hospitality

Tube drivers will walk out for 24 hours today and Thursday in an ongoing dispute over the introduction of condensed hours and a four-day working week.

This week’s industrial action, which began at midnight today, will “have severe consequences for businesses that depend on commuters, office workers, domestic visitors and international tourists”, according to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).

This week’s strikes were put in place after industrial action set to take place on 18 and 20 May was postponed at the “eleventh-hour” amid ongoing negotiations.

Strike action that did go ahead last month cost pubs across the capital half their revenue, while takings across London’s hospitality industry plummeted 40% overall, according to estimates by UKHospitality.

NTIA chief executive Michael Kill said: “Today’s Tube strike action is another major setback for London’s hospitality, leisure and night-time economy. Businesses across the capital rely heavily on office workers, commuters, visitors and tourists travelling into central London, and any disruption to the transport network has an immediate and measurable impact on footfall, trade and consumer confidence.

“For many hospitality businesses, particularly independent operators, the loss of customers caused by transport disruption is simply unaffordable in the current economic climate. Venues are already facing rising operating costs, increased employment costs and continued pressure on consumer spending. Another day of significantly reduced trade only adds to those challenges.

“What is particularly concerning is the prospect of further strike action extending into the remainder of the week and the weekend. Hospitality businesses plan and staff their operations around expected demand, with weekends representing some of the most important trading periods of the week. Continued uncertainty not only affects daily revenue but also impacts bookings, events, staffing and the wider visitor economy.”

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