Digby Jones, head of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has warned that potential rail strikes could “seriously damage” small businesses and lead to work being lost to overseas firms.
The RMT union has told commuters to be prepared for strikes across the UK’s rail network after a ballot of members showed that a majority were in favour of downing tools.
No strike dates have yet been announced, with the RMT currently locked in talks with operator Network Rail over the contentious issue of pay and pensions for staff.
Small businesses have repeatedly complained the UK’s transport system is harming profits, with everything from strikes, rail delays and the London congestion charge damaging productivity and driving away customers.
CBI chief Jones has warned that any strike would greatly harm small businesses that rely on trains to meet clients or simply to get into the workplace.
He also pointed out that small firms that already struggle to win contracts ahead of large companies could find work being given to businesses abroad due to the poor state of the UK’s transport system.
“In a highly competitive global economy, companies invest where there is quality transport infrastructure.
“This irresponsible call by the RMT damages the chances of quality employment for the very people they are paid to protect.
“A strike would cause a huge amount of unnecessary economic damage as firms struggle to get people to work and goods around the country.
“When more jobs leave the UK for places with better transport infrastructure, I do hope there won’t be any complaining from the union since they will only have themselves to blame.
“We must ensure that potential investors in the UK know that employers will not be blackmailed by irresponsible threats from unions.
“Network Rail should stand firm as it seeks to protect quality jobs on the railway,” he said.
