Rail strikes could 'end up killing people': warning from health chiefs ahead of walkout

17 June 2022, 08:00 | Updated: 17 June 2022, 12:47

Health bosses have warned that crippling rail strikes next week could result in people dying.

A senior NHS manager told Health Service Journal that healthcare would be impacted by medics not being able to get to work.

"Next week's rail strikes will probably end up killing people," they said.

With four out of five trains not running due to strikes, there are fears that doctors, nurses and paramedics will be unable to work, putting patients at risk - especially those calling 999.

Read more: Everything you need to know about next week's rail strikes

Read more: Summer plans scuppered? Gigs, festivals, sport and GCSEs hit in biggest rail strike since '89

On Thursday transport secretary Grant Shapps warned RMT union rail workers they risk "striking [themselves] out of a job" by walking out next week.

"For millions of passengers, rail is now a choice, not a necessity," he said.

"Anything that stops people choosing rail, anything that drives away even more passengers than we've already lost has to be bad news for jobs and services.

"So today, I appeal directly to rail workers, who I think are less militant than their union leaders. Don't risk striking your industry out of a future. Don't risk striking yourselves out of a job.

"Don't pitch yourselves against the public."

Barry Gardiner shares support for workers striking

The RMT strikes will take place on June 21, 23 and 25, but a special timetable will be in place from June 20 to June 26.

It means the travel disruption is on a collision course with Glastonbury, the England v New Zealand test in Leeds, and GCSE exams - to name a few.

Read more: New map shows rail strikes set to cripple network - which lines will be affected?

Footfall crashed during the pandemic, leading the Government to pour £16bn into the railways to keep it running.

But it has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels thanks to increased working from home and changing passenger habits.

Read more: Summer of discontent: UK's biggest union 'absolutely' willing to arrange 'national strike'

The RMT says Network Rail is lining up 2,500 job cuts in rail maintenance.

As well as the looming threat of job cuts, workers are also striking over pay, demanding an increase in line with inflation.

Dominic Raab condemns "deeply irresponsible" rail strikes

Many train operators are advising customers to avoid travelling by rail next week, if they can.

Network Rail, the public body of the Department for Transport, released details of its amended timetable on Wednesday revealing that around half of Britain's rail lines will be closed completely due to the strikes.

Places such as Bournemouth, Swansea, Holyhead and Chester will have no services at all.

Read more: London bus network next in line as strike threats spread from rail and Tube

Read more: Don't strike yourselves out of a job, Shapps warns rail workers ahead of walkout

Some operators - including Transport for London (TfL) - are urging people not to use the railways, but advising of 'windows' where travelling may be easier if they must.

It is recommended passengers research their journey before departing, and check the advice from their operator.

In response to being asked a question concerning strikes next week, Sadiq Khan has told LBC: "Strikes benefit nobody.

"In London, on Tuesday we've got a strike when RMT are going on strike because of conditions attached by the government in relation to savings TfL has to make.

"RMT are punishing the wrong people. It's our business that will suffer, our city that will suffer at a time of economic recovery.

"You know, TfL are able, willing and happy to meet with the RMT 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Let's talk and resolve this amicably rather than another day of strikes which will cause huge disruption but also be really damaging to London's economy."