This weekend thousands in Watford will see their daily trips disrupted following news of a new set of strikes.

Taking place on Saturday, October 1 many services will be severely disrupted with only a limited service operating between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

The rail strikes come following news that train drivers union ASLEF, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and Workers at the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) will all strike on the first day of October.

12 rail companies represented by the unions are set to strike, resulting in very limited service across the UK, including Watford.

Watford Junction services are expected to be little to none as all main rail companies that use the station will be taking industrial action.

Avanti West Coast, Southern, London North-western Railway and the London Overground will all be taking part.

Although the strikes are only taking place on October 1 there is expected to be a knock-on effect on services on the following day.

Meaning those that are travelling on Sunday, October 2 should prepare for some travel disruption, especially if you are heading into London for the London Marathon.

Rail companies and unions have said they are urging customers to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary this weekend.

Discussing the strikes RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Transport workers are joining a wave of strike action on October 1, sending a clear message to the government and employers that working people will not accept continued attacks on pay and working conditions at a time when big business profits are at an all-time high.

He added: “We want a settlement to these disputes where our members and their families can get a square deal.

“And we will not rest until we get a satisfactory outcome.”

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson, representing train operators, said: “We want to see the industry and its people thrive - we are asking the unions’ leadership to do the right thing, call off these damaging strikes and work with us to make that happen.”

What rail companies are striking in October?

There are 12 companies striking, including long-distance services and London-based transport.

The companies striking are:

  • Avanti West Coast
  • c2c
  • Chiltern Railways
  • East Midlands Railway
  • Greater Anglia
  • GTR (Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express in the London area)
  • LNER
  • London Northwestern Railway
  • London Overground
  • Southeastern
  • South Western Railway