Staff shortage and heavy rain blight weekend train journeys

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Thameslink’s control team are looking to source replacement transport where possible.” On the main line connecting London with the West Midlands, northwest England and southern Scotland, Avanti West Coast continues to run a reduced timetable. The firm says: “This is due to the current industrial relations climate which has resulted in severe staff shortages in some grades through increased sickness levels, as well as the majority of drivers making themselves unavailable for overtime in a co-ordinated fashion, and at short notice.” Travellers in Scotland face longer journeys and possible cancellations due to “upcoming severe weather”. Network Rail Scotland said after talking to its weather forecaster, local maintenance teams and passenger and freight operators, it will impose speed restrictions for safety reasons where the most severe rainfall is expected. The organiser, Nigel Harris, managing editor of Rail magazine, said: “I am very sorry indeed for this inconvenience, but we were left with no choice at all after Aslef and RMT decided to strike simultaneously on 15 September.” Mr Harris tweeted: “Hopefully not for long; we’re close to a new date already.” The RMT union plans another national stoppage on Saturday 17 September, with disruption affecting travel from 15 to 18 September inclusive.