Strikes hit economy by £700m – Merriman

Rail Minister Huw Merriman told the Transport Committee on 18 January that rail strikes have had an impact on the UK economy calculated at around £700 million. He added that the strikes have cost the railway a claimed £25 million on weekdays and £15 million on weekends.

Mr Merriman also agreed with Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw, who pointed out that with estimated costs of the strikes to Government of up to £500 million, the industrial action has cost more than settling would have.