Here we go again: Strikes hit London

PUBLIC sector workers, a host of train and bus drivers, university staff and teachers are set to walk out today –leaving Britain effectively closed for business for much of the day.

It is set to be one of the biggest days of industrial action in living memory, as ongoing disputes over pay continue to rumble on in a host of industries.

Many regular commuters will be stuck at home today with either children unable to go to school due to the teachers’ strike or the lack of rail services –with no trains on Southern or Thameslink and some restricted services on other lines.

Business leaders are braced for impact, with a further round of strikes planned on Friday of this week.

Richard Burge, chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told City A.M.: “It is shameful to think strike disruption has been affecting London’s businesses for nearly a year. The government, train operators and trade unions appear to be insistent on causing maximum disruption without any hint of a compromise, leaving those stuck in the middle forced to suffer the consequences.”

Speaking yesterday to City A.M. Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality chief exec, said: “Since last summer, the cumulative impact of the rail strikes on hospitality businesses, workers and customers has been unprecedented and has already cost the sector an estimated £2.5bn in lost revenue to date. We estimate that the strikes this week will set the sector back a