Fresh rail strikes planned over Christmas as RMT union turns down pay offer

Published

3 years ago

December 5, 2022

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Union leaders have rejected revised offers to end industrial action on the railways – and announced more strikes over Christmas.

RMT members at Network Rail are being urged by union bosses to reject new pay proposals and proceed with walkouts on 13-14 and 16-17 December.

The RMT has also announced further strike action from 6pm on Christmas Eve to 6am to 27 December.

RMT members will be asked in a referendum whether they should proceed with strikes – a move that could represent a nod to discontent over lost pay through strikes to date or, on the other hand, demonstrate solidarity over their fight.

The Transport Secretary described the escalation as “incredibly disappointing”

The rail dispute is just one of many threatening to deliver a winter of discontent as unions seek pay rises in line with the rate of inflation to help shield their members from the cost of living crisis.

There is the looming threat of action by nurses, firefighters and National Highways staff.

It is building on a wave of strikes among other professions including teachers and bus drivers.

The GMB union is expected to announce dates for ambulance strikes at midday on Tuesday.

The dispute between Royal Mail and its 115,000 frontline workers has become increasingly bitter and shows no sign of letting up in time for Christmas following a wave of action over the Black Friday discount shopping bonanza and beyond.

The government is coming under increasing pressure from backbenchers to press ahead with reforms to strike laws that would guarantee a minimum level of service.

The prospect of more intense strike action on the railways is not just bad news for those seeking to travel ahead of the holidays.

Business has become increasingly vocal on the need for a resolution, saying the action is costing hospitality and retailers billions of pounds at a time they can least afford it.

Mr Lynch said of the state of play: “We remain available for talks in order to resolve these issues but we will not bow to pressure from the employers and the government to the detriment of our members.”

Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s chief negotiator, accused the RMT of “playing fast and loose with people’s Christmas plans.

He said: “This response from the RMT to a significantly enhanced offer exposes their true priority – using the British public and Network Rail workers as pawns in a fight with the government.

“What use is a referendum that means the strike disruption is inevitable?”.

Further union talks with the RDG are planned for Tuesday.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) announced it was calling off Network Rail strikes planned for December so it could put an offer to its members.

The TSSA had been due to strike on 17 December and take other forms of industrial action from 13 December.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “It’s incredibly disappointing that, despite a new and improved deal offering job security and a fair pay rise, the RMT is not only continuing with upcoming industrial action but has called more strikes over Christmas.

“It’s especially disappointing given the TSSA union has described this new and improved deal as the ‘best we can achieve through negotiation’ and called off strikes.

“The government has played its part by facilitating a fair and decent offer but, by instructing its members to reject it, the RMT has failed to play its part and our rail network now faces more harmful disruption rather than helpful discussion.”

Business

Lola’s Cupcakes bakes £30m takeover by Finsbury Food

Published

4 hours ago

August 14, 2025

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Lola’s Cupcakes bakes £30m takeover by Finsbury Food

Lola’s Cupcakes, the bakery chain which has become a familiar presence at commuter rail stations and in major shopping centres, is in advanced talks about a sale valuing it at more than £25m.

Sky News has learnt that Finsbury Food, the speciality bakery business which was listed on the London Stock Exchange until being taken over in 2023, is within days of signing a deal to buy Lola’s.

City sources said on Thursday that Finsbury Food was expected to acquire a 70% stake in the cupcake chain, which trades from scores of outlets and vending machines.

Lola’s Cupcakes was founded in 2006 by Victoria Jossel and Romy Lewis, who opened concessions in Selfridges and Topshop as well as flagship store in London’s Mayfair.

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The brand has grown significantly in recent years, and now has a presence in rail stations such as Waterloo and Kings Cross.

The company employs more than 400 people and has a franchise operation in Japan.

Lola’s is part-owned by Sir Harry Solomon, the Premier Foods founder, and Asher Budwig, who is now the cupcake chain’s managing director.

The deal will be the most prominent acquisition made by Finsbury Food since it delisted from the London market nearly two years ago.

Finsbury is now owned by DBAY Advisors, an investment firm.

A spokesperson for Finsbury Food declined to comment.

Business

UK growth slows as economy feels effect of higher business costs

Published

16 hours ago

August 14, 2025

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UK growth slows as economy feels effect of higher business costs

UK economic growth slowed as US President Donald Trump’s tariffs hit and businesses grappled with higher costs, official figures show.

A measure of everything produced in the economy, gross domestic product (GDP), expanded just 0.3% in the three months to June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

It’s a slowdown from the first three months of the year when businesses rushed to prepare for Mr Trump’s taxes on imports, and GDP rose 0.7%.

Caution from customers and higher costs for employers led to the latest lower growth reading.

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Business

Claire’s to appoint administrators for UK and Ireland business – putting thousands of jobs at risk

Published

1 day ago

August 13, 2025

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Fashion accessories chain Claire’s is set to appoint administrators for its UK and Ireland business – putting around 2,150 jobs at risk.

The move will raise fears over the future of 306 stores, with 278 of those in the UK and 28 in Ireland.

Sky News’ City editor Mark Kleinman reported last week that the US-based Claire’s group had been struggling to find a buyer for its British high street operations.

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Prospective bidders for Claire’s British arm, including the Lakeland owner Hilco Capital, backed away from making offers in recent weeks as the scale of the chain’s challenges became clear, a senior insolvency practitioner said.

Claire’s has now filed a formal notice to administrators from advisory firm Interpath.

Administrators are set to seek a potential rescue deal for the chain, which has seen sales tumble in the face of recent weak consumer demand.

Claire’s UK branches will remain open as usual and store staff will stay in their positions once administrators are appointed, the company said.

Will Wright, UK chief executive at Interpath, said: “Claire’s has long been a popular brand across the UK, known not only for its trend-led accessories but also as the go-to destination for ear piercing.

“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the company.

“This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand.”

The development comes after the Claire’s group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a court in Delaware last week.

It is the second time the group has declared bankruptcy, after first filing for the process in 2018.

Chris Cramer, chief executive of Claire’s, said: “This decision, while difficult, is part of our broader effort to protect the long-term value of Claire’s across all markets.

“In the UK, taking this step will allow us to continue to trade the business while we explore the best possible path forward. We are deeply grateful to our employees, partners and our customers during this challenging period.”

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Claire’s attraction has waned, with its high street stores failing to pull in the business they used to.

“While they may still be a beacon for younger girls, families aren’t heading out on so many shopping trips, with footfall in retail centres falling.

“The chain is now faced with stiff competition from TikTok and Insta shops, and by cheap accessories sold by fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu.”

Claire’s has been a fixture in British shopping centres and on high streets for decades, and is particularly popular among teenage shoppers.

Founded in 1961, it is reported to trade from 2,750 stores globally.

The company is owned by former creditors Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital following a previous financial restructuring.