Rail Strikes Slow Down Retail Recovery
The recent strikes have had an impact on the high street, as a decreased footfall meant there were fewer people to spend in the shops.
According to the latest Sensormatic IQ Data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), UK footfall dropped by 3.9 per cent between June 20th and June 26th, during which time the rail strikes were taking place.
More than 40,000 rail workers from Network Rail and 13 train operators failed to go into work that week in a response over pay and conditions, as well as job losses.
In addition to causing disruption to millions of commuters, the railway strikes affected retail businesses as well. On Thursday June 23rd, there was a 13.7 per cent drop in football, while Tuesday June 21st saw a 9.4 per cent slump.
Chief executive of the BRC Helen Dickinson said: “Commuter traffic was hit with many working from home to avoid unnecessary travel, impacting already-vulnerable city centre businesses reliant on those commuters.”
Meanwhile, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) Mick Lynch was reported by inews.co.uk as saying the organisation has tried to negotiate with the rail industry over terms and conditions. However, it stated “railway workers have been treated appallingly”, and the sector, along with the government, has not taken their grievances seriously.
These include pay freezes and being made redundant, which Mr Lynch said is “unacceptable” during a cost-of-living crisis.
Consequently, the RMT is calling for a pay rise of at least seven per cent, which it states is in line with the rise in living costs.
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