YORK & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Hospitality Forum has called upon railway unions and politicians to ensure that no industrial action takes place over the Christmas period.

Workers with both the RMT and ASLEF unions have been engaged in strike action for more than a year following disputes regarding pay and conditions, with the latest round of industrial action only just having concluded.

The Forum is urging all parties to do whatever they can to ensure that the crucial festive period is not disrupted by more strikes.

Andrew Pericleous, chair of the Hospitality Forum, said: “Every time rail strikes take place it costs businesses in York and North Yorkshire thousands of pounds in lost trade.

“With Christmas a traditional period of enhanced activity, we are calling upon both the Government and trade unions to protect small businesses which are the lifeblood of our towns and cities and ensure no industrial action is planned for this December.”