UK Hospitality has analysed the impact that upcoming train strikes are due to have on local restaurants, pubs, and entertainment services.
Earlier this week RMT announced the dates of industrial action across two 48-hour strikes in the run-up to Christmas.
Taking place between 13-14 and 17-18 December, the strikes will cause disruption to the hospitality sector during their busiest trading period of the year.
Michael Stackhouse, Manager of Fat Hippo Birmingham said "It has been a tough period for all restaurants, especially smaller ones like Fat Hippo.
"Staff numbers are reduced at the moment and the streets are much quieter, so sales are lower than usual.
"It's proving to be a bit of a tough period, but we're trying our best to thrive with the walk-ins we have because we can't rely on all bookings showing up."
Further dates of industrial action have been announced to take place between 3-4 and 6-7 January in 2023.
UK Hospitality CEO, Kate Nicholls wrote to the Transport secretary, Mark Harper, outlining the damage the sector is due to face and calling for a solution to avert the strikes.
Kate Nicholls has said: “The impact of rail strikes already this year has been devastating and wide-reaching, but this will pale in comparison to what we will see as a result of the upcoming strikes in December.
“Businesses have already seen mass cancellations which won’t be rescheduled, costing the sector billions in lost sales.
“The Christmas period is not just good for businesses, it’s the most lucrative time for workers where they can benefit from additional overtime and higher levels of tips due to excess demand.
“These strikes damage all parts of society and it’s now time that the government proactively brings all partners to the table to deliver a solution that protects the nation’s workers and hospitality customers this Christmas.”
UK Hospitality and the Night Time Industries Association have given out warnings about the loss of jobs and business caused by strikes at this time of year.
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