The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has warned of the “irreparable fallout” from the ongoing round of Avanti West Coast rail strikes.

Passengers faced disruption after rail managers who are members of the RMT union voted to strike on 31 December and 2 January, with disruption on routes to Glasgow, North Wales, Blackpool and Edinburgh.

It comes after the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) general secretary Mick Lynch claimed to the BBC that train companies opted to pay mangers what he called “extortionate rates” for working on days off, with union members paid less.

Those members who are Avanti train managers also plan to strike every Sunday from 12 January to 25 May.

But Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, warned that the latest round of strikes risked losing further billions for the hospitality industries.

The NTIA warned the fresh walkout would compound an estimated £6bn lost revenue since the strikes began, which they said was crippling the hospitality and night time economies.

“It is evident that the government has lost control of this situation and appears incapable of resolving the ongoing issues,” Kill argued. 

“These strikes are devastating businesses already on the brink, causing untold damage to consumer confidence and economic recovery. Without decisive leadership, the fallout will be irreparable.”

He added: “The government’s inability to resolve this crisis continues to paralyse the UK economy, with passengers and businesses alike paying the price. 

“The hospitality and night-time economy, dependent on reliable rail services, faces another bleak period, with financial and reputational damage mounting.

“If the government cannot bring unions and operators to the table for a meaningful resolution, the UK risks deeper economic losses and further erosion of trust in its infrastructure.