Yesterday’s positive news that the Aslef London Underground strikes, previously scheduled for the 8th of April and the 4th of May, has been welcomed by the British Beer and Pub Association despite the news that the upcoming National Rail strikes will continue.  

2023’s train strikes cost the beer and pub sector £143 million according to data acquired from CGA, and this weekend’s National Rail strikes will only add to the costs the sector is facing in the face of further industrial action affecting train services around the country. 

In response to the now cancelled Aslef London Underground strikes, Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:

"The news that the Aslef London Underground strikes scheduled for next week and the first bank holiday weekend of May will be a welcome relief for our members and their pubs in the capital, giving consumers the opportunity to get into work, and support other surrounding businesses." 

"The delay in reaching this decision, coupled with the continuing strikes across the weekend on numerous national rail services, will however place continued strain on the sector, with alternative plans already being made to which there will be a considerable impact on the industry that potentially cannot be offset despite this late agreement."