Monday 11 January 2016

Tube strikes bad for business

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Chief Executive Colin Stanbridge said: "The news of further strikes on the underground is a blow to Londoners and bad for business. The tube network is critical economic infrastructure and more needs to be done to minimise the potential for future strike action. London as a thriving world capital cannot afford to be continually brought to a standstill.

"During the last series of strikes firms in the service industry reported significant loss of trade, particularly large corporate bookings at hotels and event spaces cancelled.

"Our research has found that more and more workers are moving further away from the main centres of employment in the capital due to the short supply and soaring costs of housing closer in. Extending services to run 24-hours a day will help employees who service the night-time economy get to and from work, making later working a more viable option for many.

"London's evening and night-time economy plays a critical part in the success of the city. A 24-hour tube network will help to bolster this part of London's economy and we look forward to seeing it implemented."

ENDS

Media contact
Natalie Davison
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: ndavison@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.