Train firms warn of Christmas disruption due to staff shortages

Several leading British rail operators have said staff shortages due to Covid is resulting in large-scale disruption ahead of Christmas.

A number of firms have begun operating reduced timetables as an increasing number of workers are off sick or made to isolate.

The 19 million Brits without car access could find their journey plans delayed or incredibly crowded as we enter some of the busiest days for the industry ahead of the festive period.

CrossCountry has said it expects “widespread disruption to our services this week”.

“Please pull your journey forward sooner rather than later to get to your end destination as early as possible,” they advised.

Cancellations have already been made on its routes between Manchester and Bournemouth via Birmingham; Bristol and Paignton, Devon; Cardiff and Nottingham; and Birmingham to Stansted Airport.

Avanti West Coast also informed customers: “The pandemic is unfortunately resulting in some staff shortages.

“We’re doing everything we can to run our full timetable but there may be some short-notice cancellations.”

Northern, Southern and TransPennine Express have also said there will be disruption to its services, while Greater Anglia has slashed services due to lack of demand.

LNER and Scotrail have also cancelled services.

Disruption can be expected to extend until January 3 at the earliest.